Bulawayo: South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder, in his maiden outing as captain of the Proteas, made headlines not just for his batting prowess but for his decision to uphold cricketing tradition by declaring his innings on 367 not out, thus allowing West Indies legend Brian Lara to retain his record for the highest individual score in a Test innings.
According to BBC, Mulder declared his innings during the second Test against Zimbabwe, held at Bulawayo, when he was just 33 runs shy of Lara’s iconic 400 not out, set against England in Antigua in 2004. Mulder expressed his sentiment that it was fitting for Lara to keep the record, stating, “I think Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.”
Mulder’s innings, which positioned him with the fifth-highest individual score in Test history and the highest by a South African, commenced at 264 out of South Africa’s overnight 465-4. His triple-century was a significant milestone, being only the second by a South African after Hashim Amla’s 311 not out against England in 2012. Notably, Mulder reached his 300 from 297 balls, the second-fastest in Test cricket history.
The decision to declare was reminiscent of Australia’s Mark Taylor, who in 1998 declared on himself at 334 not out, equaling Don Bradman’s record. Mulder’s choice reflects a respect for the legends of the game, a sentiment echoed by his coach, Shukri Conrad, who advised letting the legends maintain their monumental achievements.
Despite having ample time left in the Test to pursue Lara’s record, Mulder prioritized the spirit of the game. His declaration came with nearly four full days remaining, during which South Africa enforced the follow-on after dismissing Zimbabwe for 170. Zimbabwe ended the day at 51-1, still trailing significantly.
Mulder’s innings was not without drama; on the opening day, he was bowled on 247, only for replays to reveal a no-ball. This reprieve allowed him to push beyond the 300-mark, an achievement he had only managed twice before in his Test career.
Interestingly, Mulder was present during the most recent quadruple-century in first-class cricket, witnessing Sam Northeast’s unbeaten 410 for Glamorgan against Leicestershire in 2022. This connection to contemporary cricketing history further underscores the significance of his decision to maintain the status quo regarding one of cricket’s most celebrated records.