Mark Wood Teetotal: Why Doesn’t The English Pacer Drink Alcohol?

During an interaction with BBC Sport a few days after England lifted their maiden ODI World Cup at the Lord’s in 2019, pacer Mark Wood had revealed how he remembered every moment of celebration and all of what had happened during the title winning night because he is a teetotal.

Despite being present at the team hotel bar until 2 AM that night, Wood would keep a distance away from alcohol as a few of this other teammates would continue having their drinks for some more time.

“One of the advantages of being teetotal is that I can remember everything that happened and didn’t feel too shabby the following morning, when I woke up still wearing my medal,” remarked Wood.

In fact, apart from the normal bottled water which he carries along with himself while on tours, the 33-year-old also carries sparkling water as a refreshment option.

Mark Wood Teetotal

During an interaction with The Grade Cricketer around a year ago, Wood was asked the reason for his total abstinence from alcohol. In reply, he stated that he didn’t like the taste of the beer when he had just had a taste of it initially and that he also never really felt the need to consume any alcohol-related product since he was already having a good time without it.

“One, I didn’t like the taste of the beer. In general, I just didn’t feel I needed it after having a good time without it.”

He later revealed how he would love dancing and hit the bar for the same, and people would often offer him a drink to which he would plainly refuse much to their amazement. He went on to remark that there are other ways to enjoy a party atmosphere and he would require nothing more than sparkling water.

Wood also narrated an experience from one of the beaches in Australia where he wished to have a ‘ready drink’ in the bar which was actually a Raspberry Lemonade. The person at the bar was just not ready to believe that he was asking for a lemonade, and would go one to ask if he wished to have a XXXX Drink (a brand of Australian beer) instead!

Who Are Other Teetotalers In England Team?

The practicing Muslims in the England team in Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid are teetotalers as well due to reasons well mentioned in their holy book. Apart from the two, allrounder Chris Woakes and former England captain Alastair Cook are also teetotalers.

In fact, one of the talking points post England winning the 2019 World Cup was wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler asking Ali and Rashid to step aside before the champagne bottles were about to get popped.

If one carefully looks at the video, Wood is also seen stepping aside during the champagne spray, but joins later from behind after the celebration is done with.