Wiaan Mulder stunned the cricket world by declaring at 367* in a Test match against Zimbabwe, just 34 runs shy of breaking Brian Lara’s all-time Test record. His selfless act, driven by respect and team spirit, has sparked admiration across the globe.
Wiaan Mulder Declares at 367, Honors Brian Lara’s Legacy Over Record-Breaking Glory*
Wiaan Mulder, the rising South African all-rounder, etched his name in cricket history with an unbeaten 367* against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo during the second Test. But what truly captivated the world wasn’t just the mammoth score it was the selfless decision he made at lunch on Day 2.
South Africa stood tall at 626/5, with Wiaan Mulder a mere 34 runs away from surpassing Brian Lara’s 400*, the highest individual Test score in history. Cricket fans everywhere held their breath, expecting a record to fall. But Mulder surprised all he declared the innings.
Why would a young cricketer at the peak of form, standing on the edge of history, choose to walk away?
Speaking to reporters, Mulder humbly said, “We have to keep the main thing the main thing, and that is winning the Test.” His words, borrowed from Stephen Covey’s timeless quote, highlighted his dedication to team over individual milestones.
But there was a deeper, emotional layer to his decision. Mulder added, “Respecting the game is really important; letting someone like Lara keep his record. He’s one of the greatest ever. He deserves that.”
His innings broke several long-standing records. It became:
- The highest score in an away Test by any player (surpassing Hanif Mohammad)
- South Africa’s highest-ever Test score (breaking Hashim Amla’s 311*)
- The highest score by a first-time Test captain
Yet Wiaan Mulder expressed sorrow for displacing Hashim Amla, calling the legend a “Hall of Famer” and adding, “A lot of legends deserve certain accolades. I’m by no means close to a legend.”
Under red-ball coach Shukri Conrad, Mulder has transformed from an average Test cricketer into one of South Africa’s most dependable performers. Before Conrad’s appointment, he averaged just 14.31 with the bat. Since then, he averages over 80 with three centuries, including this unbeaten triple ton.
His captaincy, too, came by surprise. After regular skipper Temba Bavuma was sidelined and stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj injured, Conrad entrusted Mulder with leadership. Critics asked, “Why Wiaan?” Conrad responded confidently: “The more responsibility I give him, the better he reacts.”
This wasn’t just a career-defining innings. It was a defining moment of character a humble nod to the game’s history, a bow of respect to Brian Lara, and a bold message that in an era of stats and records, some players still play for the team.
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FAQ
Q1. Why did Wiaan Mulder declare at 367 and not chase Brian Lara’s record?*
A: Mulder prioritized South Africa’s chance to win the match and expressed deep respect for Brian Lara, stating that some records deserve to remain untouched.
Q2. Whose record did Mulder break with his 367?*
A: He broke Hashim Amla’s South African record of 311* and Hanif Mohammad’s record for the highest away Test score.
Q3. What did Wiaan Mulder say about Hashim Amla?
A: Mulder praised Amla, calling him a Hall of Famer, and admitted he felt bad about surpassing his record, saying legends deserve accolades.
Q4. How has Mulder improved under coach Shukri Conrad?
A: Under Conrad, Mulder’s batting average rose from 14.31 to over 80, with three centuries, proving immense growth in form and confidence.
Q5. What was the final result of the match after Mulder declared?
A: After declaring, South Africa bowled out Zimbabwe for 170 and enforced the follow-on. At stumps, Zimbabwe was 405 runs behind with nine wickets in hand.
