Wiaan Mulder's statement during the second Test against Zimbabwe drew attention because the South African captain was undefeated on 367 runs at the time. England captain Ben Stokes responded to the statement. Mulder was only 34 runs short of surpassing Brian Lara's mark for the most runs scored by a player in a Test innings. Many were perplexed by the choice made after Lunch on Day 2, but Mulder justified it by saying that he called the innings out of "respect" for Lara, arguing that the record should remain with the legendary West Indian.

The statement, which has already polarized many on social media, was the subject of an inquiry to Ben Stokes. The English captain praised the South African's gesture toward Lara but maintained that it was improbable that Mulder would ever have another chance to approach Lara's record.

"I believe that as a captain, you would prefer to carry out your responsibilities yourself rather than have your captain possibly pull you out on a significant day. However, in his defense. He made a statement about the record remaining with Brian Lara, in my opinion. He won't have another chance like that (chuckles). However, fair play to him. The most important thing, of course, is that they won the game, Stokes stated to the journalist at the pre-match news conference before the Lord's Test against India.

On Day 2, the Proteas announced their innings at a massive 626/5, making short work of Zimbabwe's batting lineup by dismissing them for 170 in the first innings before enforcing a follow-on. In Bulawayo, they defeated the home team by an innings and 236 runs by dismissing them for 220 in the second innings.

Archer, Stokes

After a four-year absence due to injury concerns, Stokes stated his enthusiasm for the comeback of pacer Jofra Archer, noting that the pacer should be proud of himself for reentering the Test lineup.

"Truly thrilling. In my opinion, it's fantastic for fans of English, but also for Jof. He has been anticipating this for a while. It is amazing how he has managed injury setbacks throughout that time, and how he has gradually worked his way back onto the field and playing cricket over the past several years. It is thrilling to have him back.

"I believe Jof will be quite pleased with himself that he was able to return here after two rather serious injury scares," he continued.

Read Also: Dilip Vengsarkar Questions Shubman Gill’s Ability to Surpass Don Bradman’s Record

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