Mulder Shares Lara’s Words Following Declaration at 367 Not Out

For most batters, scoring a triple century is the pinnacle of cricketing success—an immortal feat that stamps their name in the sport’s history. But for South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder, his unbeaten 367 was not just a career-defining knock—it also became the subject of a revealing conversation with none other than the legendary Brian Lara, the man who still holds the world record for the highest individual Test score: 400 not out.

Mulder, speaking recently to the media after his monumental innings, shared how his decision to declare at 367 not out came from a desire to put the team first. But shortly after the match ended, he received a message from Brian Lara that left him both flattered and reflective. The West Indian great’s words were clear: “You should have gone for 400.”*

📈 The Innings That Made History

Mulder’s unbeaten 367 came in a four-day first-class match, where his dominant batting display overwhelmed the opposition. His innings included a mix of calm resilience, technical elegance, and explosive aggression—featuring 42 fours and 8 sixes, all scored at a brisk strike rate.

The innings was also laced with a sense of growing anticipation as Mulder closed in on historic territory. Having crossed 300, commentators began comparing his tempo and technique with the greats—especially with Lara, whose 400* remains untouched since 2004.

Yet, with the team in a commanding position and plenty of time left in the game, Mulder surprised everyone by declaring the innings at 367. For many, the decision felt like a missed opportunity.

💬 The Brian Lara Connection

Brian Lara, always known for his style, class, and cricketing philosophy, reached out to Mulder privately. As Mulder recalled, Lara’s message was respectful but candid:

“He told me, ‘Well played, you were in complete control. But you should have gone for 400*—those chances don’t come often.’”

Coming from the man who once scored 375 and then bettered it with 400 not out, Lara’s advice carried immense weight.

Mulder admitted the message left him with mixed emotions. On one hand, it was a validation of the class he had displayed. On the other, it was a reminder that cricketing history doesn’t hand out milestones twice.

🧠 Team First, Record Second

Mulder explained that his decision to declare was not about modesty or hesitation. The match situation demanded aggression. His team had already posted a mammoth score, and he believed it was time to put the opposition under pressure with the ball.

“The pitch was starting to show signs of wear, and we wanted enough time to bowl them out twice. That was my thinking at the time,” he said.

Still, he didn’t shy away from admitting that a part of him now wonders—what if?

“When someone like Brian Lara says you should’ve pushed on, it makes you stop and think. Maybe next time, I won’t leave runs on the table.”

🌍 A Rare Club, a Rare Opportunity

Scoring over 350 in a single innings is one of the rarest feats in modern cricket. Only a handful of cricketers in the history of the game have gone beyond that mark. Lara (400*), Matthew Hayden (380), Mahela Jayawardene (374), and Brian Lara again (375) dominate the elite list.

For a player like Mulder—known more for his all-round abilities than sheer run-scoring volume—this was an extraordinary moment. That he achieved it while maintaining a calm, unhurried demeanor made it even more remarkable.

Had he continued, cricket statisticians agree, he was well on track to surpass Lara’s mark. The opposition bowling had lost sting, the field was spread, and Mulder looked almost unbeatable.

🧬 The Lara Philosophy

Brian Lara’s career has long stood as a symbol of pushing personal excellence within team ambition. When he scored his 400*, many questioned whether it hurt the West Indies’ chances of winning the match. Lara famously responded that “team records are great, but individual brilliance fuels the soul of the game.”

Mulder, speaking about that legacy, admitted:

“Lara always backed his instincts, and his records reflect that. Maybe I need to trust mine a bit more. You don’t get to 367 every day.”

In a world where cricket is often dictated by match scenarios, fitness data, and calculated risk-taking, Lara’s message may have reignited an old-school flame—the pursuit of something magical and personal, even in a team sport.

🤔 What This Means for Mulder’s Future

This innings and the subsequent interaction with Lara may mark a turning point in Wiaan Mulder’s career. Long seen as a reliable batting all-rounder, Mulder now seems poised to enter the upper echelon of batters.

Already, whispers have begun about him being considered for a more prominent role in South Africa’s Test team. With veterans like Dean Elgar retiring and others like Temba Bavuma under scrutiny, there’s a growing appetite for new match-winners.

Mulder, with this innings, has shown that he has the temperament, the shot-making ability, and now—the hunger to go further.

🏏 A Lesson in Legacy

Perhaps the most lasting takeaway from this episode is the lesson it holds for young cricketers worldwide.

While team goals remain paramount, there’s room in cricket’s grand tradition for individual heroism—those rare, breathtaking performances that lift both the player and the sport.

In the era of T20 leagues and rapid-fire centuries, innings like Mulder’s 367 remind us of the beauty of grinding it out, taking control, and pushing limits.

📝 Final Thoughts

Wiaan Mulder may have declared on 367 not out, but in the eyes of cricket fans—and in the words of Brian Lara—he left unfinished business on the pitch. That Lara himself encouraged him to go for more speaks volumes about both the significance of the achievement and the potential Mulder holds.

The next time he finds himself in such a commanding position, one can be sure the number 400 will be ringing in his ears—along with Lara’s words, urging him not to stop short of greatness.

In cricket, legends aren’t just born—they are shaped by moments, decisions, and sometimes, the advice of those who’ve been there before. Mulder has had his moment. The world will be watching to see what he does with the next one.