Zimbabwe Vs South Africa, 2nd Test: Mulder Says Lara Deserves To Keep 400 Record After Declaration

Wiaan Mulder said Brian Lara “keeping that record is exactly the way it should be” after he decided to declare before reaching 400 runs.

The stand-in captain for South Africa scored an unbeaten 367 off 334 against Zimbabwe in the second Test between to the two nations.

Mulder’s score is the fifth-highest score in Test cricket and the biggest total scored away from home.

He also surpassed Hashim Amla’s 311 not out against England for the highest score by a South African player, and therefore the highest by a Proteas captain too.

Despite Lara’s record of 400 within distance, Mulder believes a ‘legend’ like Lara deserves to keep his name at the top of that list.

Mulder said: “Brian Lara is a legend. He got 400 or 401 or something against England and for someone to keep that record, it is special.

“I spoke to Shuks [Shukri Conrad] - and spoke about letting the legends keep [that record]. Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.

“When I went past Hash's [Hashim Amla's] score, I did not notice [it at first] but it was pretty special.

“To be honest, I have never even dreamt of getting a double hundred, let alone a triple hundred. Most importantly, it has put the team in a good position to win this Test.

“When I started playing for South Africa, I was nowhere near good enough. I have had the opportunity to learn from some great players.

“Going to England really gave me a chance to understand what kind of batter [I want to be] and figure out [my weaknesses]. Lots of lessons [from my time in England].”