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With international cricket currently underway in several parts of the world, Zimbabwe is also hosting world Test champions, South Africa in a two-match Test series. While the visitors clinched the opening Test by 328 runs, they stand way ahead in the second Test, which is being played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Coming into the second Test after a 1-0 lead, South Africa were put to bat first by Zimbabwe, who won the toss. On the back of a triple hundred from their stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder (367*), the Protea Men posted 626 on the board. Mulder with his knock of unbeaten 367, shattered several records, joining the elite list of highest individual score in Test cricket history.
Let the legend keep the record: Mulder on not going past 400
What was surprising was Mulder declare the innings at 626/5, refraining from scoring a 400. While there were several eyebrows raised on Mulder’s decision, the cricketer himself opened up on why he did not wanted to break the long-standing record. “Brian Lara is a legend. He got 401 or whatever it was (it was 400) against England. For someone of that stature to keep the record is pretty special," Mulder said at the close.
"I think if I get the chance again I would do the same again," he continued. Mulder also revealed the conversation he had with South African coach Shukri Conrad, who also agreed with his decision. "He said to me as well, let the legend keep the record. I never know what my fate will be but letting Brian Lara keep the record is the way it should be," Mulder added.
With his first innings score of unbeaten 367, Mulder is the fifth highest individual scorer in Test cricket. Moreover, he is also the second South Africa to score a triple hundred, reaching the mark off 297 deliveries and sits only behind Virender Sehwag in the list of fastest to triple hundred.
