South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has revealed that legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara encouraged him to go for the 400-run mark, after Mulder declared on 367 during the second Test against Zimbabwe. Mulder, who was captaining the side in the absence of regular leadership, made the decision to end South Africa’s innings at lunch on Day 2 — just 33 runs shy of Lara’s world-record 400 not out, set in 2004 against England in Antigua.
The Proteas went on to win the Test by an innings and 236 runs, but Mulder’s call sparked considerable discussion in the cricketing world, with many questioning why he didn’t attempt to break the individual record.
Speaking to SuperSport after the victory, Mulder revealed that he spoke to Lara after the game, and that the West Indies icon expressed disappointment that he didn’t push for the milestone. According to Mulder, Lara told him he should have gone for the record and encouraged him to do so if such a chance arises 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 own legacy and I should have gone for it. He said records are there to be broken and he wishes if I’m ever in that position again, I actually go and score more than what he had,” Mulder told SuperSport.
“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 had earlier explained that his decision was made out of respect for Lara and his iconic achievement. He also said he had consulted with South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad before declaring the innings.
“Firstly, I thought we had enough and we needed to bowl. Secondly, Brian Lara is a legend. For someone of that stature to keep that record is deserved. If I get the chance to do it again, I’d do it exactly the same way,” Mulder had said in a post-match interaction.
Lara’s 400 not out remains the highest individual score in Test cricket history and is widely regarded as one of the most unbreakable records in the game. Mulder’s declaration reignited discussions around records, legacy, and sportsmanship.
Even former West Indies opener Chris Gayle weighed in on the matter, expressing his disappointment. Gayle remarked that Mulder missed a rare opportunity to write his name into cricket’s history books by not challenging Lara’s legendary mark.
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