Mulder Skips Lara’s 400-Run Record Cites Respect for the Game
BULAWAYO – South African cricketer Wiaan Mulder has sparked debate in the cricketing world after declaring the innings at 367 not out, just before lunch on Day 2 of the second Test against Zimbabwe, passing up the opportunity to break West Indies legend Brian Lara’s iconic record of 400 not out.
Mulder’s decision to walk away from a potential world record has been met with both admiration and criticism. Speaking to SuperSport, the 26-year-old all-rounder explained his reasoning behind calling off the innings.
“I felt I had no right to dislodge a legend like Brian Lara, who set the record against a far stronger opposition,” said Mulder, referring to Lara’s unbeaten 400 against England in Antigua in 2004.
In a post-match conversation with Lara himself, Mulder revealed that the cricketing great encouraged him to chase the record if he ever finds himself in a similar position again.
“Now that things have settled a little bit, I’ve chatted a little bit to Brian Lara. He said to me I’m creating my legacy, and I should have gone for it. He said records are there to be broken and he wishes that if I’m ever in that position again, I go and score more than what he had,” Mulder said.
Despite Lara’s blessing, Mulder stood by his decision to declare. “That was an interesting point of view from his side, but I still believe I did the right thing, and respecting the game is the most important part for me,” he added.
Mulder has scored three centuries in 21 Test appearances and continues to emerge as a key figure in South Africa’s red-ball setup.
Meanwhile, former West Indies star Chris Gayle has also expressed disappointment over Mulder’s decision, adding to the ongoing debate among fans and pundits.
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