[WATCH] Ben Stokes jokes about Wiaan Mulder declaring to dodge Lara’s record

Recently, Mulder's declaration near a historic milestone has sparked social media debate.

Ben Stokes joked that if he had been Wiaan Mulder instead of declaring the innings, he would have tried to chase Brian Lara’s 400* all-time record. For those who are unaware, backup South Africa captain Mulder announced South Africa’s innings before lunch on Day 2, saying he didn’t feel it was fair to take Lara’s record for the best Test score. When the announcement was made, Mulder was undefeated on 367.

In addition, Ben Stokes jokingly admitted that Mulder ought to have shattered Lara’s record a few days ago and expressed his belief that he would never be given another opportunity of that nature.

“As captain, you would sooner hurt yourself than have the captain withdraw on a historic day. To him, fair play. I believe he mentioned that it should remain with Brian.

He will never again have that chance (laughs)! In a video that Test Match Special posted on X, Ben Stokes said, “Fair play to them.”

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 took three wickets during Zimbabwe’s innings and was ultimately named Player of the Match for his outstanding knock. The Proteas won the second Test by a massive margin of an innings and 236 runs, ultimately destroying the hosts.

Regarding the current five-match series between India and England, each team has won one match. At Headingley, the home team won by a score of five wickets. India, headed by Shubman Gill, won the match in Edgbaston by 336 runs after a spectacular comeback.

For the Lord’s match, England brings in Archer.

The Home of Cricket will host the third game. After what transpired in the last match, Stokes and England would be looking to recover strongly. They will face a strong competition that is eager to take advantage of their momentum. Their Lord’s Test playing XI has already been revealed, and leading bowler Jofra Archer will be making a comeback.

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, captain Ben Stokes, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Shoaib Bashir are the England team’s players for the third Test match against India.