When Ben Stokes Revealed He Almost Choked to Death On A Tablet

image-ls1hoyw4Ben Stokes [x.com]

England's star all-rounder, Ben Stokes, shared a harrowing experience that unfolded behind the scenes during the 2021-22 Ashes tour in Australia. In an article for The Daily Mirror, Stokes opened up about a near-death encounter that occurred not on the cricket field but in the privacy of his hotel room.

The incident, which took place during the Ashes tour Down Under, added another layer to what was already a challenging period for the 32-year-old cricketer. Stokes had taken an indefinite break from all cricket in July, citing the need to prioritize his mental well-being and allow his fractured finger to heal.

However, the biggest scare for Stokes came from an unexpected source – a simple tablet that he swallowed, causing a frightening ordeal that left him fearing for his life. 


Stokes recounted the terrifying moment when the tablet went down the wrong way, getting lodged in his windpipe and triggering a desperate struggle for breath. 

In his own words, "Until it actually came out, I thought this might be the end." He described the panic as his body reacted, with glands in his face going into overdrive to expel the obstructing tablet.

"We've all had those moments when something gets stuck in the throat, and usually someone can help you out. Without going into too much detail, I have never seen as much saliva as I did on Sunday morning; it was a genuinely frightening experience," Stokes shared.

The team doctor promptly attended to Stokes, providing him with an explanation of the body's reaction to the choking incident. Despite the frightening nature of the episode, Stokes acknowledged the support and swift response of the medical team.

Adding to the drama, Stokes had earlier feared a broken arm after being struck by a ball in the nets. Fortunately, the team's physios cleared him of any significant injury.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Stokes boasts an impressive record across all formats of the game. With 18 centuries, 56 half-centuries, and over 10,000 runs, his contributions have been pivotal for England over the years.