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"Let The Legends Keep Their Records" Wiaan Mulder Explains Bizarre Declaration On 367

Akshita Patel

Wiaan Mulder on why he didn't chase Brian Lara [Source: @ICC, @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Wiaan Mulder on why he didn't chase Brian Lara [Source: @ICC, @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

South African cricketer Wiaan Mulder made headlines when he decided not to chase Brian Lara’s world record of the highest individual score in Test cricket. He declared the inning on an unbeaten 367 and explained that the bizarre declaration was out of respect for the legend, Lara.

Mulder had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immortalise his name in the history of Test cricket. The South African skipper slammed a historic triple century against Zimbabwe in the second Test and surpassed Hashim Amla to set the record for the highest Test score hit by a South African in Test cricket. 

However, at 367* off 334, Mulder, the captain, declared innings at 626/5, which caused a massive uproar in the cricket community.

Wiaan Mulder Stopped At 367 Out Of Respect For Brian Lara

At 367 off 334, Wiaan Mulder set the highest score by a player in away conditions and the fifth-highest Test score of all time. Fans held their breath and backed the South African to chase Brian Lara’s iconic record of 400 runs, the highest individual Test score of all time. 

However, Mulder shockingly decided to declare the inning and ended his inning at 367*. Talking to SuperSport, the skipper said he had two reasons for his decision. 

First, he believed South Africa already had enough runs on the board at 625/6. Second, and more importantly, he felt that Brian Lara, a true legend of the game, deserved to keep the record.

“First I thought we have enough and we need to bowl. Secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, he got 400 against England 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," Mulder said.

The decision sparked debate online. Some fans and even former players like Dale Steyn and Tabraiz Shamsi felt Mulder should have gone on to break the record. But Mulder stood by his choice, saying he had spoken to head coach Shukri Conrad, who agreed that some records should remain untouched out of respect.

"I was speaking to Shuks (Proteas coach Shukri Conrad) and he kind of said to me as well: ‘let the legends keep the really big scores’, and you never know what my fate is or what is destined for me. But Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be," he added.

Mulder Grabs Special Place In South Africa’s Test History 

Wiaan Mulder created history on July 7, 2025, by becoming the first South African captain to score a triple century in Test cricket. Leading the Proteas in the second Test against Zimbabwe, Mulder surpassed Hashim Amla’s 311 to become the highest individual scorer for South Africa.

He joined an elite group, becoming only the ninth Test captain to hit a triple-hundred, and also broke Hanif Mohammad’s long-standing record of the highest Test score away from home.