South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has shed light on his discussion with head coach Shukri Conrad following his surprise decision to declare the innings while unbeaten on 367 on Day 2 of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Mulder revealed that Conrad advised him to let legendary players retain the monumental records.
At lunch, Mulder stood just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s historic 400* and only 34 away from breaking the all-time record. Despite the opportunity, the 27-year-old, also leading the team in the absence of the regular captain—chose to declare with South Africa at 626/5.
Reflecting on the decision after the day’s play, Wiaan Mulder described Lara as a true icon of the game and said it felt right to allow him to hold on to the record. As quoted by The Indian Express, he said:
“First things first. I thought we’d got enough and needed a bowl. And, secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real. He got 400 against England (in Antigua in 2004) and for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special.”
“I think if I get the chance again, I’d probably do the same thing. He (Shukri Conrad) said to me, ‘Let the legends keep the really big scores’. And you know, you never know what’s my fate or what’s destined for me, but I think Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.”
“Never Imagined Scoring A Double Century”- Wiaan Mulder After Career-Best Knock
Although Mulder was thrilled with his knock of 367, he emphasized that securing a win in the Test match remains his top priority. He added:
“To be honest with you, I’ve never even dreamed of getting a double hundred, never mind a triple hundred. But it’s super special and the most important thing is putting the team in a good position to hopefully win this Test.”
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