At lunch on Day 2 of the second Test of the two-match series against Zimbabwe, Wiaan Mulder explained his sudden decision to declare South Africa’s innings. Before the Proteas entered the interval at 626/5 in 114 overs, he was hitting 367* off 334 deliveries, for those who are unfamiliar.
Wiaan Mulder decision to stop South Africa’s first innings was mostly motivated by his desire to preserve Brian Lara’s history and his belief that the legendary West Indian should be allowed to hold the record for the greatest Test score (400* off 582 balls against England in 2004).
First, I believed we had had enough and that we needed to bowl, which is why SA decided to declare. Second, there is no legend like Brian Lara. It is well-deserved for someone of that calibre to maintain that record. I would do it precisely the same way if I could do it over. The same sentiment was expressed by Shuks [head coach Shukri Conrad], with whom I spoke.
At the conclusion of the play, Wiaan Mulder declared, “Brian Lara is a legend and he deserves to keep that record.”
Wiaan Mulder, the all-rounder who is acting as captain in lieu of full-time captain Keshav Maharaj, hit 49 fours and four sixes in a spectacular display. With that, he solidified this knock into the format’s history and overshadowed a number of significant turning points. Additionally, it surpassed Graeme Smith’s 362 to become the best Test aggregate ever by a Proteas hitter.
In their first innings, South Africa dismissed Zimbabwe in just forty-three overs. Only 170 points could be scored by the hosts. Mulder & Co. enforced the follow-on without hesitation. At Stumps on Day 2, Zimbabwe is already 405 runs behind South Africa. By the end of the third day, the Mulder-led team hopes to finish Zimbabwe’s innings and secure the series with a 0–2 victory.
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