Ben Stokes Responds to Wiaan Mulder’s Brian Lara Comment: “He Won’t Get That Opportunity Again” About Untouched 400
Sayuri YukiHere’s England captain Ben Stokes’ take on Wiaan Mulder’s choice to forgo chasing Brian Lara’s record.
Wiaan Mulder’s Surprising Decision and Ben Stokes’ Reaction Ahead of Third Test
It has been three days since Wiaan Mulder shocked everyone by choosing not to chase Brian Lara’s world record for the highest individual Test score. Mulder was unbeaten on 367 against Zimbabwe at lunch on Day 2 of the second Test in Bulawayo, with 400 well within reach. Yet, he declared the innings at 626/5, becoming the fifth-highest individual scorer in Tests.
Ahead of the third Test against India, England captain Ben Stokes was asked about Mulder’s unexpected decision. Stokes laughed at the choice but expressed respect, emphasizing Mulder’s team-first mindset. “As captain, you’d rather do it to yourself than have the captain pull out on a groundbreaking day. Fair play to him. He said it should stay with Brian,” Stokes said. “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*](https://t.co/vmrGsjsehE)
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 9, 2025
Wiaan Mulder’s innings of 367 was highlighted by 49 fours and 4 sixes. He faced 334 balls, achieving the second-fastest triple century in Test cricket history. Additionally, Mulder set a new record for the highest individual score by a South African batter, surpassing Hashim Amla’s 311 against England in 2012.
What did Mulder say about declaring?
After stumps on Day 2, Wiaan Mulder explained his decision to declare the innings, saying Brian Lara is a legend and the highest individual score record should remain with him.
However, former West Indies opener Chris Gayle strongly disagreed. Speaking on talkSPORT, Gayle said Mulder “panicked” and made a big mistake by not pushing for 400. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get 400 runs in a Test match. Come on, youngster, you’ve blown it big time,” Gayle added.
South Africa went on to comfortably win the Test against Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs. Mulder was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series, having also scored a century in the first innings of the series opener.
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