South African captain Wiaan Mulder (file photo). AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth/Alamy Stock Photo

South Africa captain ends mammoth innings early to respect Brian Lara's world record

‘Let the legend keep the record.’

SOUTH AFRICAN CAPTAIN Wiaan Mulder said respect for Brian Lara convinced him to declare 33 runs short of the former West Indies star’s world Test record, against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Monday.

Mulder hammered an unbeaten 367 –- a South African record and the fifth highest score in Test cricket –- before declaring at lunch on the second day of the second Test.

South Africa’s total of 626 for five proved way beyond Zimbabwe’s reach. They were bowled out for 170 and were 51 for one in their second innings after being forced to follow on.

“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.”

Mulder spoke to South African coach Shukri Conrad who 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.”

– © AFP 2025

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