"They’re not legends or what…"- AB de Villiers slams Wiaan Mulder for not chasing Brian Lara's test record

AB de Villiers said that Wiaan Mulder should have gone for the record.

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has slammed Wiaan Mulder for not chasing Brian Lara’s record for highest individual score in test cricket during South Africa’s tour of Zimbabwe in July. Notably, former West Indies captain Lara holds the record for highest individual score in test cricket (400*).

During the second test against Zimbabwe in July, South Africa’s stand-in skipper Mulder had a wonderful opportunity to break the record. He had reached his triple century in the first innings. However, he declared the innings when he was on the crease unbeaten at 367.

Later, he justified his decision by saying that he wanted legend Brian Lara to keep the record, who scored it against a strong team like England. Notably, many former cricketers slammed Mulder’s decision.

I think he should have broken Lara’s record: AB de Villiers

South Africa batting legend De Villiers recently appeared on “Beard Before Wicket” podcast. During the show, he was asked for his opinion on Mulder’s decision. De Villiers said that he didn’t agree with Mulder’s comments as he broke records of many legends on his way to scoring 367 runs.

“I think he should have (broken Lara’s record). I mean, I didn’t quite agree with the comments afterwards where he was talking about the legends must have the records. But he passed a lot of legends just for the last 20 runs he got. Sangakkara’s, guys like that. I’m like, ‘Oh, they’re not legends or what?,” he said.

“No, he’s never going to get that opportunity (to break Lara’s record) again. Just go get it. Doesn’t matter who it’s against or where it is. They still won the Test match. That’s the most important thing,” he added.

After his knock, Mulder had backed his decision to let Lara keep the record.

“You never know what is destined for me, but Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be. I thought we got enough from the new ball, and secondly, Brian Lara is a legend. He got 400 against England – for someone of that stature, to keep that record is pretty special,” he had said.

Notably, Mulder’s 367* runs is the fifth highest individual score in test cricket. The right-handed batsman also registered highest individual score by a South African batter during the game. Mahela Jayawardene (374), Brian Lara (375), Matthew Hayden (380), and Brian Lara (400*) are the only batters to have scored more runs in a test innings than Mulder.

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