South African stand-in Captain Wiaan Mulder raised quite a few eyebrows with a decision to declare the Proteas shift at 367 launching on Monday, July. After Mulder exceeded the 350-storm in the first meeting on day 2, he had all the time in the world to score the remaining 34 runs and etched his name in the cricket history.
However, the South African captain declared shifts to 626 for 5. Mulder left for lunch unbeaten at 367 and called time for shifts before he went out at the second meeting.
While Mulder still has to comment on his decision not to let Brian Lara’s record, several votes on the social media applauding his universal. Others, however, expressed disappointment and claimed that Mulder should watch a historical milestone.
Former South Africa said Dale Stey that Mulder could go into the record and express the certainty that South Africa would still be a victory against Zimbabwe with a day to save.
“SA will win this test with a day to be saved. The few crosses after lunch never chase them. 400 deserved. This means that 367 is a wonderful success. Congratulations, wessie!” The legendary Pacer published on X.
Some fans suggested that Brian Lara himself would be the happiest man alive to witness Mulder’s statement to speculate that it could have been a sign of respect for the great Western India.
As always, social media buzzed with praise, debate and lots of joke.
Several of them even remembered the cult statement of former Australian captain Mark Taylor and connected him with Mulder’s call.
In 1998, Australian captain Mark Taylor made subtitles when he declared shifts closed to 334, which not against Pakistan in Peshawar – exactly the same score as the highest test sum of Sir Donald Bradman. Taylor had a chance to overcome the legendary character, but he decided not, as a deep respect for Bradman. His decision was widely praised as a moment of humility and sports behavior, reflecting the respect of Australian crickets for the greatest icon of the game. Taylor later said he didn’t want to remember him as a man who overtook Bradman.
Mulder breaks records as you like
Mulder might not have been for Lara’s 400, but his 367, which did not happen the highest total of South African batter in the test cricket, passed around 311 Hashima Amly in England in 2012 in the oval.
It was also the fifth highest test score of the dough and the highest from 374 Mahela Jayawardene in 2006.
The Muldeer’s 297-ball 300 is also the second fast triple hundred after the 279-Miček Vierender Sehwag against South Africa in Chennai in 2008.
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Published:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
July 7, 2025
