Wiaan Mulder, an all-rounder for South Africa, scored an undefeated 367 at Bulawayo during the second Test of the two-match series against Zimbabwe. He declared the innings just 34 runs shy of beating the record of 400 not out set by West Indies great Brian Lara, which was surprising.
Wiaan Mulder subsequently reported that he spoke briefly with Lara, who informed him that he was establishing his own legacy. Lara said that records are designed to be broken and expressed the hope that Mulder will break the record if he ever found himself in a similar situation again.
“I’ve had several conversations with Brian Lara. I’m making my own legacy, he told me, and I should have pursued the 400-run record. Mulder stated on SuperSport that “records are meant to be broken and he hopes that if I ever find myself in that situation again, I actually go and score more than what he had.”
Among cricketers, Wiaan Mulder choice generated a lot of conversation.
“Some things are best left untouched,” he said after the innings, adding that Lara deserved to maintain the record. Wiaan Mulder 367 is still the fifth-highest total in Test history and the highest individual score for South Africa.
He further disclosed that Shukri Conrad, the head coach of South Africa, agreed, stating that legends had to be let to maintain such important documents. Chris Gayle, a former cricket player for the West Indies, said Wiaan Mulder might have panicked and erred by passing up what he described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I would obtain 400 if given the opportunity. Rarely does that occur. You have no idea when you will reach a triple-century once more. You strive to take advantage of every opportunity you get like that. How are you going to become a legend if that’s your goal? “Being a legend comes with records,” Gayle stated on talkSPORT.
The Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series, which pits South Africa against New Zealand, is their next match. The tournament begins on July 14 when South Africa and Zimbabwe play their first match in Harare.