A troubled knee, a bad hip and now, England all-rounder Ben Stokes is seen taking an inhaler during practice ahead of ENG vs SL Cricket World Cup game. It raises speculations if the Chennai Super Kings player is suffering from asthma. England are at ninth position in the Points Table and are desperate for a win before they face high-flying India on Sunday.
And Ben Stokes will have to crucial role in both games. On his return to the side following injury troubles, Stokes could only score 5 and did not bowl. That was a blow for England.
But a picture of Ben Stokes using an inhaler does not boost confidence.
Is Ben Stokes suffering from asthma?
It’s not necessary that an individual will have to use an inhaler only when he/she has asthma. Doctors prescribe inhalers for various respiratory problems. Some players also suffer from exercise-induced asthma. In such conditions, an athlete can have shortness of breath during or after heavy exercises.
Ben Stokes had a lengthy practice session in Bengaluru where he batted at the nets, bowled and also went through various fielding drills.
Inhalers are also a tool for giving non-performance-enhancing steroids. As Ben Stokes has been suffering from knee and hip injuries, he might be using an inhaler as per doctors’ orders.
There have been many footballers who have been playing professional sports with asthma. And in the case of Stokes, neither the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) nor the player has confirmed any asthma diagnosis.
However, there has been close scrutiny of players using inhalers under anti-doping regulations. There have been studies that confirm that ß2-agonists in inhalers can boost sprint and strength in athletes.
