Wiaan Mulder rejects Brian Lara's advice to break record in test cricket

South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder declared his innings on 367 in the second test against Zimbabwe, turning down the chance to break Brian Lara's record of 400 not out. Lara reportedly told Mulder he should have gone for the record, saying records are meant to be broken. Mulder believes he made the right decision and prioritized respecting the game.

In a historic second test match against Zimbabwe, South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder declared his innings on 367, turning down the opportunity to break Brian Lara's record of 400 not out. Mulder, who captained the team in the absence of injured regulars Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj, made the decision after consultation with head coach Shukri Conrad [1]. Despite the encouragement from Lara himself, who advised Mulder to chase the record, Mulder stood by his decision to prioritize respect for the game [2].

Mulder's innings was a significant contribution to South Africa's comprehensive victory, as the team declared at 626-5. The 367 not out is the fifth-highest individual score in Test history, the best by a South African, and the best by any batter in an away Test match [3]. The decision to declare, falling just 33 runs short of Lara's record, was met with mixed reactions. While some argue that Mulder should have gone for the record, others praise his decision to respect the game [4].

The match marked South Africa's first test tour to Zimbabwe in 11 years, and the series was not counted in the World Test Championship due to Zimbabwe's exclusion from the WTC [1]. The South African team will remain in Zimbabwe for an upcoming Twenty20 tri-series featuring New Zealand.

References:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/wiaan-mulders-south-africa-demolish-zimbabwe-by-innings-236-runs/articleshow/122331544.cms
[2] https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/cn0zelr9kjzo
[3] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/brian-lara-said-i-should-have-gone-for-400-and-broken-his-record-says-wiaan-mulder/articleshow/122371773.cms
[4] https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/live/c1ljrvg1d66t