Wiaan Mulder’s decision to declare South Africa’s innings when he was 34 runs short of Brian Lara’s 400* Test record disappointed West Indies legend Chris Gayle.
Chris Gayle says Mulder panicked and squandered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make cricket history.
Mulder’s undefeated 367 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo is a career-defining innings that set a record. In a surprise and selfless act, the all-rounder declared the innings with South Africa at 626 for 5 after the first session on Day 2.
Mulder’s triple century was the second-fastest in Test history, taking 297 balls. Despite the individual brilliance, Chris Gayle suggests Mulder should have challenged Lara’s historic record.
If given the chance, I’d get 400. I aim to maximise every opportunity like that. Gayle on talkSPORT stated, “You’re on 367, so you have to try the record.”
He may have panicked, unsure what to do. What will you do to become a legend? Legends get records, he said.
Mulder said after the match that he didn’t seek Lara’s record out of respect. Lara is the only Test player to score 400 not out. Gayle nearly broke the record in 2010 against Sri Lanka, hitting 333.
Gayle denied that Mulder’s feat was less significant because Zimbabwe was ranked 12th in the world. He said that such opportunities are rare regardless of the opposition.
He made a mistake by not going to grab it. Whether he gets it is unknown. On 367, he stated and spoke. But 400 Test runs in a match is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Hey, kid, you blew it big time! “Gayle remarked.
“100 against any team is a Test century. Doubles or triples, 400, are Test cricket. He said that was the best game.
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