Wiaan Mulder, the new captain of the South African cricket team, made a splash in Bulawayo last week during the second Test against Zimbabwe. He hit an incredible 367 not out off only 334 balls! His unforgettable innings saw him come within 33 runs of breaking the great Brian Lara’s legendary Test record of 400 not out. It’s a remarkable feat that has stood unchallenged since 2004. Mulder put forth an incredible performance. Unfortunately for him, his declaration on the close of play on the first day prevented him from being able to set the record.
At 27 years old, Mulder is continuing to get better. It’s not like he was a scrap heap in 2020. Prior to today’s game he had only averaged 26.20 in 20 Test matches. His recent results haven’t been too shabby either. He scored his maiden Test half-century last October and has since gone on to score two Test centuries, showing a considerable maturity in his batting technique.
Mulder has beautifully played an inspired 367 not out, the fifth-highest Test score in history. This unprecedented feat has unceremoniously displaced the great Sir Garry Sobers from the top five. His innings, particularly in the final, represented the very best of his batting prowess. It was hugely important in extending South Africa’s lead over Zimbabwe. For all this she is still not renowned by most as a star on the world cricket stage. His bowling has long outweighed his batting potential.
The captain’s declaration, although strategic, sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike about the missed opportunity to set a new world record. In declaring at 367 not out Mulder showed his captaincy nous. In doing so, he focused on the success of the greater team above all else. His decision shows that his focus is on the team winning the game and not on his own personal glory.
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