Bulawayo: South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder expressed satisfaction over his decision to let Brian Lara retain the highest individual score record in Test cricket. Leading the Proteas for the first time, Mulder declared his innings at 367 not out during the second Test against Zimbabwe, 33 runs short of Lara’s monumental 400 not out achieved in Antigua in 2004.
According to BBC, Mulder’s decision was influenced by a conversation with South Africa’s coach, Shukri Conrad, who suggested that legendary figures should hold on to such significant records. “If I get the chance again, I’d probably do the same thing,” Mulder stated, emphasizing his agreement with Conrad’s sentiment that “Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.”
Mulder’s score became the fifth-highest individual score in Test history and the highest by a South African. Lara’s record-setting innings in 2004 marked the second time he had claimed the record, initially scoring 375 against England in 1994. Since then, only Australia’s Matthew Hayden and Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene have come close to Lara’s achievements, with scores of 380 and 374 respectively.
Taking over captaincy due to injuries to Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj, Mulder batted at number three, a position he was promoted to late last year. His 367 marked only his third century in Test cricket, following a 147 in the first Test against Zimbabwe. Despite having ample time to surpass Lara’s record, Mulder respected the historical significance of the record, drawing parallels with Mark Taylor’s decision in 1998.
Mulder’s triple-century was only the second by a South African in Test history, following Hashim Amla’s 311 not out against England in 2012. He reached the milestone in just 297 balls, the second-fastest in Test history after Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball triple-century in 2008. Despite the chance to make history, Mulder opted for a declaration with South Africa well-placed for victory.
Reflecting on missed opportunities, Mulder also passed up the chance to become only the 12th player to score a quadruple century in first-class cricket. The record for the highest first-class score, 501 not out, is also held by Lara from his innings for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994. Interestingly, Mulder witnessed the last quadruple-century in first-class cricket as part of the Leicestershire side when Glamorgan’s Sam Northeast scored 410 not out in 2022.