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July 11, 2025

Brian Lara calls Wiaan Mulder over refusal to chase record

Brian Lara calls Wiaan Mulder over refusal to chase record
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South Africa’s stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder has revealed that West Indies legend Brian Lara urged him to pursue the monumental milestone of 400 not out after Mulder voluntarily declared the innings on 367 during the second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club.

Promoted to No. 3 and test skipper for the match, Mulder notched an astonishing 367 off 334 balls*, smashing 49 fours and four sixes—breaking South Africa's highest-ever Test score before Safeguarding Lara’s iconic record. At lunch on Day 2, with his team on 626/5, he chose to declare, ending his chance to claim the highest Test score.

He explained the decision came from both sporting respect and strategy. As he said: “Brian Lara is a legend … for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special.”

Mulder confirmed that Lara personally reached out to encourage him to push for the landmark. He recalled: “He said records are there to be broken…he wishes if I’m ever in that position again, I actually go and score more than what he had.”

Still, Mulder reaffirmed his stance, saying he has “no regrets”, and felt it was the right call "out of respect for the game".

Mulder’s declaration handed Zimbabwe a massive target. South Africa enforced a follow‑on and completed victory by an innings and 236 runs, all within three days. Mulder also contributed with the ball—securing two wickets to cap his outstanding all‑round performance.

What’s next

  • Mulder’s philosophy: He emphasised that team objectives and "respecting the game" took priority over personal records.
     
  • Lara’s challenge: Should Mulder find himself near Lara’s record in the future, he’s now under friendly pressure to chase it down.
     
  • Legacy discussion: The debate over record‑breaking vs tradition will continue—does one innings define a career or should team outcomes matter more?
     

Mulder's innings will be remembered as one of integrity, talent, and ethical reflection in modern Test cricket—qualities that may resonate for generations to come.


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