MULDER HAPPY TO HAVE LEGEND BRIAN LARA HOLD HIS RECORD

“Hold my triple ton!”

This is how Durban’s Super Giants congratulated Wiaan Mulder on their star allrounder’s record-breaking triple century in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Monday.

The Proteas stand-in skipper Mulder ripped up the record books, cementing his status in South African cricket folklore, with an unbeaten 367 at the Queens Sports Club.

The 27-year-old faced 334 balls, hit 49 boundaries and four sixes, to become the highest scorer in South Africa’s Test history, surpassing MI Cape Town batting coach Hashim Amla’s 311* against England at The Oval in 2012.

Mulder also passed Betway SA20 Commissioner Graeme Smith’s 267 - the previous highest score - to now hold the record for the highest score by a Proteas captain.

Mulder was on track to pass West Indian legend Brian Lara’s all-time highest individual score of 400 made against England in Antigua 21 years ago, but the skipper unselfishly called the declaration with South Africa on 626/5 and him 33 runs short.

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“I thought we had enough and we need to bowl. Secondly, Brian Lara is a legend let’s be real. He got 401, or whatever it was, against England. For someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special,” Mulder said.

“I think if I get the chance again, I would probably do the same thing. Speaking to coach Shukri Conrad [Shuks], he kinda said to me as well: ‘Listen, let the legends keep the really big scores’.

“You never know what’s my fate, or what is destined for me, but I think Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.”

Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad, who has been instrumental in Mulder’s resurgence after backing him to bat in the crucial No 3 position, was full of praise for the DSG allrounder.

“Wiaan’s innings was nothing short of extraordinary. Being the captain, then batting at No 3 where had to absorb early pressure and face the new ball, which he did with immense composure and control - it was unbelievable,” Conrad said.

 “The way he constructed his innings, session by session, was a masterclass in temperament and shot selection.

“It’s the kind of performance that anchors a team and sets the tone for the entire match. We’re incredibly proud of what he’s achieved today.”

Mulder stated that it was special to pass Amla’s national record after having done some work with the ICC Hall of Famer recently.

“I always feel that the legends deserve their accolades. He’s a Hall of Famer!” he said.

“Truly special to go past his record. I am by no means a legend and I almost feel that Hash deserves to hold that record, but I guess it was my destiny, so we take it as it comes.”

Mulder has been superb throughout the Zimbabwe Test series with the unbeaten triple century following up on a century in the first Test.