Wiaan Mulder’s decision to declare South Africa’s innings at 626/5, while unbeaten on 367, just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s world record 400*, has sparked a major debate across the cricket world.
The 26-year-old, captaining South Africa for the first time, surpassed Hashim Amla’s 311* to record the highest individual score by a South African in Tests. His innings also ranks fifth on the all-time highest Test scores list, and is the highest score ever recorded by a visiting batter, surpassing Mark Taylor’s 334* in Pakistan.
Mulder reached his triple century in just 297 balls — the second-fastest Test triple hundred in history, behind only Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort against South Africa in 2008.
However, it was his decision to declare while nearing a world record that has divided opinion. Mulder explained his reasoning, saying:
“Some records are meant to stay with legends like Brian Lara.”
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad also supported the call, reportedly telling Mulder:
“Let the legends keep the big scores.”
But former West Indies great Chris Gayle, who himself has two Test triple centuries (333 and 317), didn’t hold back in his criticism. Speaking on talkSPORT, Gayle said:
“If I had a chance to get 400, I would take it. That doesn’t happen often. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he blew it.”
Gayle acknowledged the sentiment behind Mulder’s decision but added:
“Come on, you’re on 367. If you want to be a legend, how are you going to become one without chasing records? He panicked. He blundered — straight up.”
He also dismissed the idea that the opposition (Zimbabwe) makes the record any less valuable:
“It’s still Test cricket. Sometimes, even one run against Zimbabwe can be hard. A record is a record — no matter the team.”
Despite the missed milestone, Mulder had a match to remember. In addition to his unbeaten 367, he claimed three wickets, took a catch to seal the win, and led South Africa to a dominant victory by an innings and 236 runs.
