Ben Stokes passes brutal verdict on Wiaan Mulder declaring to pay respect to Brian Lara

England captain Ben Stokes has reacted with a mix of shock and amusement after South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder declared the innings while unbeaten on 367, turning down a golden opportunity to chase Brian Lara’s historic 400 not out earlier this week.

Stokes admitted that he would’ve gone for the world record without hesitation, as he was surprised by Wiaan Mulder’s selfless call.

South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder made headlines for a rare act of sportsmanship after he declared the innings while unbeaten on 367 runs, just 34 runs short of breaking Brian Lara’s iconic 400 not out—the highest individual score in Test cricket.

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Ben Stokes reacts to Wiaan Mulder’s missed world record in Test cricket

The surprising decision came just after lunch on Day 2 of the test against Zimbabwe, leaving fans and experts stunned. Many expected Mulder to go for the record, but the right-handed batter had other plans.

Later, Mulder explained that he chose to declare out of “respect” for Lara, saying the legendary West Indian’s record is something he believes should remain untouched.

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However, Ben Stokes, known for his fearless mindset, couldn’t help but tease the decision.

The England captain respected Mulder’s sportsmanship but laughed that the New Zealander won’t get the opportunity to break that iconic record in the traditional format of the game.

He's not going to get that opportunity again: Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes told the reporter during the pre-match press conference ahead of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s, “I think it's, as a captain, you'd rather do it yourself than [have] your captain potentially pull you out on a groundbreaking day. But fair play to him."

"I think he said something about the record staying with Brian Lara. He's not going to get that opportunity again (laughs). But no, fair play to him. They got the win, which is obviously the big thing that counts.”

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

Notably, the 27-year-old Mulder surpassed Hashim Amla’s 311, becoming the highest individual scorer in South African Test history. With Lara’s record near to rich, but to everyone’s shock, Mulder declared the innings at 625/5 during the break in the second Test against Zimbabwe.

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Chris Gayle furious over Wiaan Mulder’s call

However, the former West Indies icon Chris Gayle slammed the decision and said that Mulder made a mistake. Gayle said that the all-rounder “panicked, and he blundered, straight up.”

Chris Gayle was quoted as saying by talkSPORT. “I think it was an error from his side not to try and go to get it. We don’t know if he would go on and get it or not. But he declared on 367, and he said what he had to say."

"But listen, 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, “Come on, you’re on 367; automatically, you have to take a chance at the record. If you want to be a legend, how are you going to become a legend? Records come with being a legend.”