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Wiaan Mulder: Why I refused Lara’s 400 record

Published On: July 8, 2025
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South African captain Wiaan Mulder made a surprising decision to declare his innings just 34 runs shy of Brian Lara’s iconic 400-run record, stating he felt no right to surpass the legend’s feat.

Respect for a Cricket Legend

Mulder, batting at an incredible 367 not out, explained his reasons were twofold. Firstly, he believed the team had amassed enough runs and needed to start bowling. More importantly, he deeply respected Brian Lara’s monumental achievement.

“Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real,” Mulder stated. “He got 400 against England… for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special. I think if I get the chance again, I’d probably do the same thing.” His comments highlight a rare act of sportsmanship.

Coach’s Endorsement

Mulder’s decision, made at Queens Sports Club, was fully backed by his coach, Shukri Conrad. Conrad encouraged the sentiment, telling him, “Let the legends keep the really big scores.”

This support reinforced Mulder’s belief. He added, “you never know what’s my fate or what’s destined for me, but I think Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.”

An Unforeseen Masterclass

At 27, and in his first stint as captain, Mulder delivered an unexpected performance. His 367 not out now ranks as the fifth-highest individual score in Test cricket history. This places him above greats like Don Bradman and Garry Sobers on the list of triple centurions.

Before this innings, Mulder, recently promoted to the challenging No. 3 position, had an average of just 26.20 in 33 Test innings. He had only two prior centuries to his name.

“To be honest with you, I’ve never even dreamed of getting a double hundred, never mind a triple hundred,” he confessed. His impressive knock included 53 boundaries against a modest home attack, showcasing incredible focus and skill.

Team Comes First

Despite the personal milestone, Mulder’s focus remained firmly on the team’s success. “The most important thing is putting the team in a good position to hopefully win this test,” he emphasized.

South Africa declared their innings at a formidable 626 for 5. They are now in a dominant position against Zimbabwe, who were forced to follow on after being bowled out for 170. Mulder even contributed with the ball, taking two wickets to cap off a truly memorable day.

  • Wiaan Mulder declared his innings at 367 not out, 34 runs short of Brian Lara’s record.
  • His decision was primarily driven by profound respect for Lara and the team’s tactical needs.
  • Coach Shukri Conrad fully supported Mulder’s unique act of sportsmanship.
  • Mulder’s innings is the fifth-highest in Test history, a personal best far exceeding his prior expectations.
  • The declaration helped put South Africa in a commanding position in the Test match.

Mulder’s display of both cricketing prowess and profound respect for the game’s history has certainly left a lasting impression.

Atish Ranjan

Atish Ranjan is a sports commentator and editor with over a decade of experience following and analyzing global sports culture. He has contributed to regional news platforms and fan-led commentary spaces, offering deep takes on performance, psychology, and momentum in competitive arenas. A former college-level athlete, Atish brings a player’s instinct and a strategist’s clarity to every piece. His stories are grounded in real dynamics — not just headlines. Find him on LinkedIn.

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