West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has sharply criticised South African stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder for choosing not to pursue Brian Lara’s world record of 400 not out in Test cricket.
Mulder, who remained unbeaten on 367 in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, declared South Africa’s innings at 626/5 during the lunch break on Day 2—just 34 runs short of surpassing Lara’s historic milestone.
Although Mulder expressed deep respect for Lara, saying the record “should remain with the legend,” Gayle was unimpressed. He called the decision a “blunder,” arguing that such opportunities are rare in a cricketer’s career. “If you want to be a legend, you have to go for records,” said Gayle, adding that Mulder’s choice reflected hesitation and missed ambition.
Mulder’s knock, which featured 49 fours and 4 sixes from 334 balls, now stands as the fifth-highest individual score in men’s Test history and the highest ever by a South African. However, the debate continues over whether sportsmanship or legacy preservation should outweigh personal and national record-breaking moments in elite sport.
