“If I get the chance again, I’ll do the same”—said South Africa’s stand-in captain Mulder after stunning everyone by declaring the innings at 367 not out.
The man who could best explain why he passed up the opportunity to break a world record did just that. Why didn’t he chase Brian Lara’s iconic record? Why declare so suddenly when he was well set? Acting South African captain Wiaan Mulder said he believes the record for the highest individual Test score should belong to the legendary Brian Lara.
On the second day of the Bulawayo Test against Zimbabwe, South Africa declared their first innings at lunch. They were 626 for 5, and Mulder was unbeaten on 367. His brilliant 334-ball knock included 4 sixes and 49 boundaries—leaving his mark on several record books.
Zimbabwe, in response, collapsed for just 170 and had to follow on. They lost one wicket in 16 overs before stumps on day two.
With the kind of dominant batting Mulder was showing, a record-breaking innings seemed inevitable. But he never came back to bat. All day Monday, cricket circles were buzzing with speculation. Finally, after play, in a conversation with former pacer and commentator Shaun Pollock, Mulder explained why he declared. He also made it clear he’d do the same in the future.
“First of all, I think we had enough runs (for bowling),” he said.
“Brian Lara is a legend. He scored 400—401 or something—against England. That record suits him. He’s a special player. If I ever get the chance again, I’ll do exactly the same. I spoke to Shuks (head coach Shukri Conrad) and he felt the same. Brian Lara is a legend and that record belongs beside his name.”
Mulder’s back-to-back career-best scores have been nothing short of sensational. In his first Test as captain—a role he got unexpectedly—he seemed to surpass even his own dreams. He became the first captain in nearly 150 years of Test history to score a triple century on captaincy debut. His 367* is now also the highest individual Test score for South Africa.
He admitted candidly that he never imagined this.
“It’s definitely a special feeling. Honestly, I’d never even dreamed of a double century, let alone a triple. But the biggest thing is, I was able to put the team in a strong position to win.”
On this career-defining day, Mulder reflected on where it all began. He expressed deep gratitude to both former and current teammates.
“When I first started playing for South Africa, I really wasn’t good enough. I had the chance to learn from some incredible players, past and present. Playing in England helped me understand the kind of batter I wanted to be and exposed my weaknesses. I learned a lot during that time.”
He also shared insights into how he stays focused and composed. He recalled a moment when he was bowled on 247, only to be saved by a no-ball.
“I lost focus and got bowled on 247, and a lot of negative thoughts came rushing in. But I also tried to think positively. In the break between deliveries, I was singing songs to myself. It helped me stay calm. I focused on the present and didn’t try to think too far ahead.”
“When I passed Hash (Hashim Amla’s 311), at first I didn’t even realize it. It felt really special. I remember when I scored my first Test century in Bangladesh, I was singing an African song. Even in this innings, whenever I felt stuck, I’d sing to stay in the moment—sometimes even out loud.”
Mulder made his Test debut in February 2019 at home against Sri Lanka. In his first two years, he played just two Tests.
Back then, he often batted at No. 7 or 8. It was only last October, batting at No. 7 against Bangladesh in Chittagong, that he scored his maiden Test century.
In the following Test, he was promoted to No. 3 against Sri Lanka at home. Though he struggled initially, scoring modestly in his first five innings at that position, he roared back with 147 and an unbeaten 367 in his next two—firmly establishing himself as a top-order force.
