Ben Stokes Reacts to Wiaan Mulder’s Decision to Not Chase Lara’s 400-Run Record

England captain Ben Stokes has weighed in on Wiaan Mulder’s surprising call to declare South Africa’s innings while on the verge of rewriting cricket history. Mulder’s decision to walk away from a potential world record has sparked a flurry of opinions, including a mix of respect and regret from across the cricketing world.

MULDER DECLARES ON 367, MISSES CHANCE TO SURPASS BRIAN LARA

South Africa’s stand-in Test captain Wiaan Mulder left the cricket world stunned when he declared the team’s innings at 626/5 during lunch on Day 2 of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. At the time, Mulder was unbeaten on 367, just 33 runs shy of breaking Brian Lara’s long-standing record of 400\ – the highest individual score in Test cricket.

Mulder’s innings was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring 49 boundaries and 4 sixes, and coming off just 334 balls. He also became the fastest South African to a triple century and surpassed Hashim Amla’s 311 to register the highest score by a South African in Test history.

Stokes: “He Won’t Get That Opportunity Again”

Ahead of England’s third Test against India at Lord’s, Ben Stokes was asked about Mulder’s call to end his innings prematurely. The England skipper couldn’t help but chuckle before offering his candid take.

> “He’s not going to get that opportunity again (laughs)! Fair play to them,” Stokes remarked.

> “As captain, you’d rather make that decision yourself than have someone else pull the plug on what could be a historic moment. I think he said something about wanting the record to stay with Brian Lara. Fair enough  team first and all that.”

Despite his surprise, Stokes respected Mulder’s team-first mentality, even if it meant walking away from a once-in-a-lifetime individual milestone.

MULDER ON HIS DECISION: "LARA IS A LEGEND"

Speaking to reporters after Day 2, Mulder explained his rationale. He expressed deep admiration for Brian Lara and felt the record rightfully belonged to the West Indies icon.

> “Brian Lara is one of the game’s greatest legends. That record is part of his legacy, and I didn’t feel it was right to take that away,” Mulder said.

While noble in intent, Mulder’s reasoning hasn’t been unanimously accepted.

CHRIS GAYLE SLAMS THE CALL: “YOU BLEW IT, BIG TIME”

Former West Indies opener Chris Gayle was particularly critical of Mulder’s decision. Speaking on talkSPORT, Gayle didn’t mince words.

> “He panicked and he blundered, straight up,” said Gayle.

> “We don’t know if he would’ve gone on to get the 400 or not, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You don’t pass that up. Come on, youngster, you’ve blown it big time.”

Gayle emphasised that these rare chances define cricketing legacies and said Mulder may come to regret it.

SOUTH AFRICA SEAL DOMINANT SERIES WIN

Despite the debate surrounding his declaration, Mulder’s impact on the series was undeniable. South Africa crushed Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs in the second Test to wrap up the series in emphatic fashion. Mulder, having also scored a century in the first Test, was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While Wiaan Mulder’s decision has divided opinion, it has undeniably sparked a deeper conversation about legacy, sportsmanship, and individual glory in team sport. Whether or not Mulder will ever get another shot at Lara’s record remains to be seen, but his choice has already secured its place in cricketing debate for years to come.