Legendary West Indies player Chris Gayle has lamented Wiaan Mulder’s choice to announce South Africa’s innings when he was only 34 runs away from breaking Brian Lara’s all-time Test record of 400*. Mulder lost a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make cricket history because he panicked, according to Gayle.
Mulder’s career-defining century of 367 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, which has already cemented his position in the record books, was undefeated. The all-rounder, however, made the unexpected and noble decision to declare the innings with South Africa at 626 for 5 soon after the opening session on Day 2.
Mulder achieved the second-fastest triple-hundred in Test history, accomplishing his feat in a just 297 balls. Despite the individual genius, the announcement has generated controversy; according to Chris Gayle, Mulder ought to have persisted in challenging Lara’s record.
“I would receive 400 if given the opportunity. You try your best to take advantage of any opportunity like that. Chris Gayle stated on talkSPORT, “Come on, you’re on 367, so you have to take a chance at the record automatically.”
Perhaps he was in a panic and unsure of what to do. What steps will you take to become a legend if that is your goal? Legends have records,” he continued.
In an interview following the game, Mulder said he respected the renowned West Indian and decided not to try to break Lara’s record. In a Test innings, Lara is still the only player in history to score 400 runs without being out.
Intriguingly, Chris Gayle nearly reached the milestone in 2010 when he scored 333 against Sri Lanka.
Chris Gayle denied the criticism that Mulder’s accomplishment was less significant since it occurred against a 12th-ranked Zimbabwean team, stating that such chances are uncommon no matter the opposition.
“I believe that his failure to try to go get it was a mistake on his part. We don’t know whether he would continue to get it. He made a declaration on 367, however, and expressed his opinions. Listen, though, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to score 400 runs in a Test match. “You’ve blown it big time, kid!” Gayle exclaimed.
“A hundred runs against any side is a Test century, regardless of the opponent. It is Test cricket if you receive a double or triple 400. “It’s the ultimate game,” he continued.
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