‘He is not going to get that opportunity again’: Ben Stokes on Wiaan Mulder deciding not to chase Brian Lara's record

Ben Stokes on Wiaan Mulder deciding not to chase Brian Lara's record. (Photo: X)

Reactions are still coming in three days after Wiaan Mulder called off pursuing Brian Lara's world record for the best individual score in Test cricket. At lunch time on Day 2 of the second Test in Bulawayo, South Africa's interim skipper was standing on the brink of history batting on 367 not out against Zimbabwe. He was well within striking distance of 400, and it seemed all but certain that he would surpass the former captain of the West Indies to claim the greatest individual total in Test cricket.

But when Mulder chose to declare the innings at 626/5 at the lunch break, everyone was taken aback. He currently ranks fifth in terms of highest individual Test scores. When asked about it ahead of the third Test match against India, England captain Ben Stokes was open enough to acknowledge that Mulder will not have another opportunity to go past Lara.

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When Stokes discussed Mulder's startling decision to declare the innings when 400 was clearly within his reach, he laughed. The England captain did, however, add that he respected Mulder's choice because the team always came first.

“As captain, you’d rather do it to yourself than the captain pulling out on a groundbreaking day. Fair play to him. I think he said something about how it should stay with Brian," Stokes told reporters on the eve of the third Test against India at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

"He’s not going to get that opportunity again (laughs)! Fair play to them,” he added.

Would Ben Stokes have declared himself with Brian Lara's record in sight, just as Wiaan Mulder did?

Something tells us probably not...  pic.twitter.com/vmrGsjsehE

 Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 9, 2025

Mulder scored 367 runs, including four sixes and 49 fours. His 334-ball stint at the crease gave him the second-fastest triple century. In addition, he scored more runs than any other South African batsman, topping Hashim Amla's 311 against England in 2012.

Mulder gave an explanation for his decision to declare the innings after stumps on Day 2, stating that Brian Lara is a legend and should continue to hold the record for the greatest individual score.