Many people may not have thought that anyone could break Brian Lara’s world record of 400 runs in a Test innings. But it’s not like no one has been around him. Although that was before Lara scored 400 runs. South African all-rounder Wian Mulder had a big chance to break that record in his debut match as a Test captain. But he didn’t make that attempt, which is now one of the most talked about topics in the cricket world!
When Mulder declared his innings as captain, the match was only 4 sessions old, and his score was 367. Lara had only 33 runs left to touch. It was completely unexpected for someone to declare his innings at such a time. Rather, cricket fans around the world were waiting to see a new record. On the other hand, Lara fans may have been waiting with a slightly broken heart – ‘Oh, the record of the groom of cricket has been broken!’
But no, to everyone’s surprise, this ‘unknown’ all-rounder declared his innings on 367 runs. The Proteas’ score against Zimbabwe was 626/5. After the end of the second day’s play, the question in the minds of cricket fans came from the voice of Proteas legend Shaun Pollock. Why didn’t Mulder try to break Lara’s historic record! He replied like this, ‘Well, first of all, I thought we had scored enough runs. Now we need to bowl. Secondly, Brian Lara is a legend. That is the reality.
Mulder also clarified what he thought about Lara not breaking his record, and what he had talked about with his coach, “He (Lara) had 401 or 400 runs against England. It’s special for someone like him to have this record. I think if I get the chance again, I’ll probably do the same thing. I also spoke to Shuks (Proteas coach Shukri Conrad), he also said, “Let the legend hold this record. You never know what fate has in store for you or what you want to call it. But I think Brian Lara should have the record.”
However, Mulder was out at the end of the first day. He survived the journey because he was bowled by a no-ball. That outing is said to have changed his mindset, “After being bowled by a no-ball, a lot of thoughts came to my mind. There were positive thoughts among them. I was trying to think about that more. After playing today, I was humming and singing. “Someone told me at breakfast that the highest innings since debut as captain was 277. The first target was to surpass that. Then I broke Hash’s (Hashim Amla’s) record and realised I was standing at 312 runs.”
Mulder set the world record for the highest run in his Test debut as captain. Mulder also scored the highest innings of runs in Tests among Proteas cricketers, a record previously held by Hashim Amla (311). Mulder also has the highest run total in two Test innings among Proteas cricketers. Graeme Smith scored 362 runs in two innings against England in 2003. Mulder surpassed him in one innings. He even holds the record for the highest number of runs in a Test innings abroad. Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammad scored 337 runs against the West Indies in 1958. That was the previous record. Mulder broke it.
FAQ
Who is Wiaan Mulder?
Wiaan Mulder is a South African all-rounder who recently captained his national team in a Test match, where he had a strong batting performance.
What is Brian Lara’s 400-run record?
Brian Lara scored 400 not out against England in 2004. It is the highest individual score in Test cricket history.
Did Mulder really have a chance to break the record?
Yes, during a recent Test match, Mulder had a great start and was in a strong position to score big, with plenty of time and wickets left.
Why didn’t Mulder go for the 400?
Reports suggest Mulder prioritized the team’s needs over personal milestones. He likely chose to declare or play for a win rather than chase a record.
Was he close to reaching 400?
No, he wasn’t near 400, but the situation—his form, the pitch, and the match context—gave him a rare opportunity to potentially aim for it.
