ZIM Vs RSA, 2nd Test: Here's Why Wiaan Mulder Did Not Go For Brian Lara's 400 Not Out Record

Many an eyebrow were raised when South Africa's stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder chose to declare the innings at 626 for five against Zimbabwe in the second Test, with him unbeaten on 367. Mulder was 33 shy of Brian Lara's all-time record score of 400 not out and seemed poised to break it. But he later won hearts by saying that the West Indies legend "deserves to keep the record".

Mulder said at the end of day two's play in Bulawayo: "Firstly, I thought we had enough and we needed to bowl. Secondly, Brian Lara is a legend. For someone of that stature to keep that record is deserved.

"If I get the chance to do it again, I'd do it exactly the same way. I spoke to Shuks (Shukri Conrad) and he felt the same way. Brian Lara is a legend and he deserves to keep that record."

Lara is the only batter in world cricket to score 400 in a Test innings, which he achieved against England at Antigua in 2004.

Mulder's knock, meanwhile, was the highest individual score by a batter in an away Test match. The previous record belonged to Pakistan's Hanif Mohammad, who scored 337 against the West Indies in Barbados in 1958.

Record notwithstanding, South Africa's declaration was soon vindicated as Zimbabwe were bundled out out for 170 in their first innings, with Prenelan Subrayen picking up four wickets. Following on, Zimbabwe fared better in their second essay, ending day three at 51 for one, still trailing by 405 runs.

Meanwhile, Proteas cricketers expressed surprise at Mulder's decision to not go for the record. Left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi wrote on X: “No man no no no... why the declaration. So much time left in the game. Could have told him he's got 5 overs to go out there and smash it to try and get to 400.”

(With PTI inputs)