Brian Lara Urged Mulder to Break 400-Run Test Record
South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder shocked the cricket world by declaring his innings at 367 not out against Zimbabwe in the second Test at Bulawayo. While the decision earned praise for being team-first, legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara had a different view. Lara, who holds the record for the highest individual Test score of 400*, personally told Mulder he should have gone for it.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Mulder shared that Lara called him after the game and encouraged him to chase the record. “Brian Lara told me that I should have tried to break the record,” Mulder said. “He said records are meant to be broken and that I was creating my own legacy.” Mulder, however, stood by his decision, saying, “Respecting the game is most important for me.”
Mulder’s Knock Makes History Despite Declaration
Mulder’s 367* is now the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket and ranks fifth in the format’s history. The all-rounder, leading South Africa in place of Temba Bavuma, put on a sensational show that included 49 fours and 4 sixes. It is the second-highest number of boundaries in a Test innings after John Edrich’s 57.
His declaration proved to be a tactical success. South Africa dismissed Zimbabwe twice and sealed a win by an innings and 236 runs inside just three days. Head coach Shukri Conrad also backed the move, jokingly saying, “Let the legends keep the really big scores.”
Mulder’s decision may have surprised fans and legends alike, but it also underlined his maturity as a captain and team player. While he may not have overtaken Lara’s record, his performance will be remembered as one of the most dominant knocks in modern Test cricket.
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