South Africa captain Wiaan Mulder said declaring on 367, the fifth-highest rating in Test history, as a substitute of chasing Brian Lara‘s record 400 not out was “exactly the way in which it must be”.
Mulder opted to bring an end to his innings 33 runs shy of Lara’s landmark as his side posted 626 for five against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
His surprising decision to not proceed was immediately vindicated as Codi Yusuf had Takudzwanashe Kaitano caught behind off the primary ball of the innings. Zimbabwe were all out for 170, with Mulder taking two for 20 in his six-over spell.
Mulder’s declaration left West Indies great Lara because the only quadruple centurion in a Test innings, against England in Antigua in 2004, but he insisted he had no regrets.
He said in his post-match interview: “First things first – we had enough to bowl (at).
“Brian Lara is a legend. He got 400 or 401 or something against England and for somebody to maintain that record, it’s special.
“I spoke to Shuks (head coach Shukri Conrad) – and spoke about letting the legends keep (that record). Lara keeping that record is precisely the way in which it must be.”
He added: “To be honest, I even have never even dreamt of getting a double hundred, let alone a triple hundred, (but) most significantly, it has put the team in a superb position to win this Test.”
Test Records
Lara also made 375 against England in Antigua a decade before his 2004 feat. That mark was beaten by Matthew Hayden’s 380 for Australia against Zimbabwe in 2003, just for Lara to reclaim top spot six months later.
Mahela Jayawardene made 374 for Sri Lanka against the Proteas in 2006, with Mulder passing Sir Garry Sobers’ 365 not out for the West Indies against Pakistan in 1958 for fifth place on the all-time list.
His innings was a South African record, comfortably surpassing Hashim Amla’s unbeaten 311 against England in 2012 which was their only previous triple century.
Conrad described his skipper’s knock as “nothing in need of extraordinary”.
He said: “Being the captain, then batting at number three where had to soak up early pressure and face the brand new ball, which he did with immense composure and control – it was unbelievable.
“The way in which he constructed his innings, session by session, was a masterclass in temperament and shot selection.
“It’s the type of performance that anchors a team and sets the tone for the complete match. We’re incredibly pleased with what he’s achieved today.”
Cricket South Africa director of national teams and high performance Enoch Nkwe added: “It was a really world-class performance that will likely be remembered for generations. Records like this usually are not just personal milestones – they encourage young cricketers and elevate the stature of our game.”
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