Wiaan Mulder shocked the cricketing fraternity with a record-breaking innings of 367* in the second Test against Zimbabwe but hogged the headlines for a different reason declaring shy of Brian Lara’s legendary 400. South Africa’s acting captain revealed that head coach Shukri Conrad informed him during lunch on Day 2 not to pursue personal records. “Let the legends keep the really big scores,” Conrad informed him, and Mulder proclaimed with the team on 626/5, 33 runs short of rewriting history.
Mulder picked up Day 2 on 264* and played on, reaching his triple century in only 297 balls the second quickest in Test history, behind Virender Sehwag. He then sped to 367* in only 37 more deliveries, scoring 49 fours and 4 sixes. With the chance to break Lara’s record, Mulder stayed true to the team strategy.
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“I was speaking to Shuks (Proteas coach Shukri Conrad) and he kind of said to me as well, ‘Let the legends keep the really big scores.’ You never know what my fate is or what is destined for me. But Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.” Mulder said while while talking to broadcaster SuperSuport
“First, I thought we have enough and we need to bowl,” said. “Secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, he got 400 against England and for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special. If I get the chance again I’d probably do the same thing.”
His decision paid off as he immediately impacted with the ball, picking up two wickets in consecutive overs and taking a sharp catch, helping dismiss Zimbabwe for 170. South Africa continued the follow-on and had the hosts at 51/1 by stumps, with a commanding 405-run lead.
Surprisingly, Mulder explained that in order to remain mentally alert throughout his marathon innings, he was constantly playing “Zombie” by The Cranberries in his mind a trick that kept him in rhythm at the crease. While Lara’s 400* remains, Mulder’s selflessness and all-round excellence contributed to one of the greatest performances in recent Test history.
