Mulder: Lara's Record-Keeping is Just Right
Mulder: Lara's Record-Keeping is Just Right
South Africa’s stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder has explained the reasoning behind his selfless decision to declare the innings at 626/5 during the second Test against Zimbabwe. Mulder remained unbeaten on 367 off 334 balls at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Wiaan Mulder’s amazing innings on July 7, 2025, during the second Test against Zimbabwe wasn’t just about scoring runs; it showed his character, leadership, and emotional strength. By lunch on the second day, Mulder was still not out on 367, just a few runs short of Brian Lara’s famous record of 400 not out. Everyone in the cricket world was excited, waiting for Mulder to go for the record. However, instead of aiming for personal success, he decided to declare the innings. His reasoning was humble and thoughtful: “Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real, I think Brian Lara should keep that record.”
That quote shared during a post-play interview with Shaun Pollock summed up Mulder’s mindset. The choice wasn’t about what he could achieve, but what should endure. Mulder credited his coach, Shukri Conrad, for reinforcing the sentiment, saying, “Let the legends keep the really big scores.” And with that decision, he etched his name into cricketing lore not as the one who broke the record, but as the one who chose reverence over records.
Still, Mulder didn’t walk away empty-handed. He became only the second South African to score a triple century in Test cricket, surpassing Hashim Amla’s 311 not out to claim the highest individual Test score for his country. And he did so while humming The Cranberries’ classic “Zombie” between deliveries to keep himself calm and focused. “I just sing Zombie,” he said, explaining how music helped him stay present. He also shared his quirky ritual of feeling his shoes to stay grounded literally and mentally.
This monumental innings marked the culmination of years of growth. Mulder reflected openly on his early days in international cricket, admitting that when he debuted in 2017, he wasn’t ready for the intensity and expectations. His transformation began during his three-season stint in county cricket with Leicestershire. There, he discovered the kind of batter he wanted to be. He improved his technique, especially against the short ball, and restructured his approach under pressure. He highlighted how conditions in England taught him hard truths, particularly the importance of not blocking his front pad. He credited Zimbabwe’s head coach, Justin Sammons, for helping him sharpen his game even further.
Everything came together perfectly for Mulder in Bulawayo. He didn’t just make runs; he set the pace of the match. Batting at No. 3 and handling the new ball skillfully, he steadied South Africa’s innings and laid the groundwork for a strong performance. His calmness and focus caught everyone’s attention. Coach Conrad described his play as “amazing,” commending his choice of shots and how he built his innings step by step as a lesson in how to keep cool under pressure.
His decision to declare at 626 for 5 set the stage for South Africa to seize complete control. Zimbabwe crumbled for just 170 in their first innings and were forced to follow on, ending day two on 51 for 1. Though Sean Williams showed brief resistance with a blistering half-century, the match tilted heavily in South Africa’s favour.
Mulder later reflected on how surreal the experience was. “I’ve never even dreamt of getting a double-hundred, never mind a triple hundred,” he admitted. Yet, instead of being dazzled by the numbers, he stayed focused on the team. His goal was clear: help South Africa win the Test, and he did so with distinction.
What made the occasion even more heartfelt was that Mulder’s father was in the stands, witnessing his son lead, bat, and inspire. The father-son moment mirrored Mulder’s journey, filled with hard work, humility, and honour.
In the end, Mulder didn’t chase history he chose to honour it. And by doing so, he carved out a legacy not just defined by statistics, but by soul.