[WATCH] Ben Stokes’ light-hearted remark on Wiaan Mulder declaring innings to avoid Lara record

Ben Stokes makes light-hearted remark on Wiaan Mulder declaring innings while unbeaten on 367 (Source: X and Test Match Special)

Ben Stokes jokingly admitted that he would have attempted to go after Brian Lara’s 400* all-time record had he been in Wiaan Mulder‘s place instead of declaring the innings. For the unversed, standby South Africa skipper Mulder declared South Africa’s innings at Lunch on Day 2 stating that he did not feel right to steal the record of the highest Test score from Lara. Mulder was unbeaten on 367 at the time of declaration.

Stokes also humorously acknowledged that Mulder should’ve broken Lara’s record a few days back and felt that he would not be offered another similar chance again.

“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. He’s not going to get that opportunity again (laughs)! Fair play to them,” shared Stokes in a video shared by Test Match Special on X.

Mulder was eventually declared the Player of the Match for his splendid knock, in addition to bagging three wickets during Zimbabwe’s innings. The Proteas ended up whitewashing the hosts by winning the second Test by a whopping margin of an innings and 236 runs.

Coming to the ongoing five-match series between England and India, the two teams have won one game apiece. The hosts emerged victorious by a five-wicket margin at Headingley. The Shubman Gill-led India made a stunning comeback to win the game at Edgbaston by 336 runs.

England bring in Archer for Lord’s clash

The third match will be played at the Home of Cricket. Stokes and England would be aiming at bouncing back strong after what went down in the previous contest. They will be up against a buoyant opposition who would be keen on capitalising on their momentum. They have already announced their Playing XI for the Lord’s Test, which also marks the return of spearhead pacer Jofra Archer.

England XI for 3rd Test vs India: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir

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