"Should Have Gone For It" - Brian Lara Tells Wiaan Mulder After He Declares Just 33 Runs Short of 400

South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has shared that the legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara wanted him to go for the world record after his unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe. Mulder surprised everyone by declaring the innings, even though he was just 33 runs away from breaking Lara’s record of 400 not out in Test cricket.

In a rare display of selflessness in modern-day cricket, Mulder shocked the cricketing world by walking off unbeaten on 367, choosing to declare South Africa’s first innings during the second Test. The 27-year-old was captaining the side in Temba Bavuma’s absence. He played a brilliant innings and had full control of the game. At 367* and with the team at 626/5, he chose to declare, saying it was out of respect for Lara.

Wiaan Mulder became only the second South African to score a triple century in Test cricket, after Hashim Amla’s unbeaten 311 against England in 2012. Many believed Mulder was on course to surpass Lara’s record of 400*, made in 2004 against England in Antigua.

Also read: ZIM vs SA 2nd Test: All Records Broken By Wiaan Mulder After His Historic 367* In Bulawayo

"Records Are There To Be Broken" - Brian Lara’s Message To Wiaan Mulder

After the dust had settled on South Africa’s innings win in Bulawayo, Mulder shared that he had spoken to Lara post-match and was encouraged to pursue the record if ever presented with the opportunity again.

"Now that things have settled a little bit, I've chatted a little bit to Brian Lara. He said to me I'm creating my own legacy, and I should have gone for it. He said records are there to be broken and he wishes that if I'm ever in that position again, I actually go and score more than what he had," Mulder said as quoted to SuperSport.

Even though Lara backed him to break the record, Mulder said he does not regret the call.

"That was an interesting point of view from his side, but I still believe I did the right thing and respecting the game is the most important part for me," he added.

Earlier, Mulder had said:

"Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real. He got 401 or whatever it was against England. And for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special."

South Africa eventually wrapped up the Test match inside three days, defeating Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs.

"You’ve Blown It Big Time" - Chris Gayle Slams Wiaan Mulder’s Decision

Former West Indies star Chris Gayle has criticised Mulder for not going after the record. Gayle called the decision a mistake and said Mulder missed a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

"I think it was an error from his side, not to try and go to get it. We don’t know if he would go on and get it or not. But he declared on 367, and he said what he had to say. But listen, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get 400 runs in a Test match. Come on, youngster, you’ve blown it big time!" Gayle said as quoted on talkSPORT.

"Come on, you’re on 367; automatically, you have to take a chance at the record. If you want to be a legend, how are you going to become a legend? Records come with being a legend," he added.

Also read: Ireland's Curtis Campher takes 5 wickets in 5 balls, creates world record