South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has revealed a stunning conversation with cricket legend Brian Lara, who expressed regret that Mulder didn’t break his iconic record of 400 not out in Test cricket.

In the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Mulder smashed an unbeaten 367 runs, coming agonizingly close to rewriting history. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, he declared the innings instead of pushing for the record, a decision that Lara himself later questioned.

What Lara Told Mulder

Speaking to SuperSport after the series win, Mulder said:

“I had a chat with Brian Lara and he told me, ‘You should’ve gone for the 400. Records are there to be broken. If you’re ever in that position again, I hope you go and score more than me.’”

Mulder added that Lara encouraged him, saying he was “creating his own legacy” and had full support to break the record.

Why Mulder Didn’t Go for 400

When asked by former cricketer Shaun Pollock why he stopped at 367*, Mulder gave a humble response:

“We felt we had enough runs and it was time to bowl. Also, someone like Brian Lara — a legend of the game — deserves to hold such a record. If I ever get another chance, I might try again, but I have no regrets.”

Mulder’s 367* came off 334 balls, including 49 fours and 4 sixes. He also registered the second-fastest triple century in Test cricket history, reaching 300 in just 297 balls. South Africa eventually declared at 626/5 and won by an innings and 236 runs.

A Moment of What-If in Cricket History

Mulder’s selfless act and respect for Lara have been widely praised, but it has also left fans wondering: what if he had gone for it? Lara’s record of 400 not out, made against England in 2004, still stands, but for the first time in years, it looked genuinely under threat.

Mulder, still just 27, may well get another chance. And next time, even Brian Lara wants him to break it.