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Stokes Reflects on Mulder’s Call to Preserve Lara’s Test Record
England captain Ben Stokes has offered a thoughtful take on Wiaan Mulder’s surprising decision to halt his innings at 367 not out, deliberately falling short of Brian Lara’s historic Test record of 400*. The moment unfolded during South Africa’s dominant Test win against Zimbabwe, when Mulder, standing on the brink of rewriting cricketing history, chose to declare the innings instead.
Speaking ahead of England’s third Test against India at Lord’s, Stokes reacted with a mix of amusement and introspection. “As captain, you’d rather do it to yourself than the captain pulling out on a groundbreaking day… I think he said something about how it should stay with Brian. He’s not going to get that opportunity again (laughs)! Fair play to them.”
While the tone was light-hearted, Stokes’s remarks reflected the rarity of such restraint in an era defined by records and personal milestones. The decision by Mulder sparked wide debate in cricketing circles, with some viewing it as an act of grace and others as a squandered chance at sporting immortality.
Wiaan Mulder’s Unfinished Milestone
Mulder’s 367*, now the fifth-highest individual score in Test history, was already a career-defining knock. With the match in South Africa’s control and Zimbabwe under pressure, the 27-year-old all-rounder opted to prioritize the team’s need for time to bowl the opposition out, rather than continue chasing Lara’s record. The strategy proved successful, as South Africa secured an innings victory.
In post-match comments, Mulder acknowledged the magnitude of Lara’s achievement and said it felt “right” not to pursue the record. “Brian Lara is a legend… for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special.” He also noted that team management supported his decision.
Brian Lara Record Debate
While Mulder’s selfless act earned admiration from many, some former cricketers, including Chris Gayle, expressed disappointment. Gayle called the move a “blunder” and urged Mulder to seize historic moments rather than relinquish them. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… Come on, youngster, you’ve blown it big time,” he said.
