Wiaan Mulder’s career-defining 367* against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo may have etched his name in the South African record books, but it has divided opinions in the cricketing world. While many praised the all-rounder’s unselfish declaration, just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s world record of 400*, West Indies legend Chris Gayle is not among them.
Mulder, captaining South Africa for the first time, declared at 626/5 right after first session on Day 2 after reaching his triple hundred in just 297 balls, the second-fastest in Test history. He later said he didn’t want to break Lara’s record “out of respect” for the West Indies great. However, Gayle believes Mulder missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and even stated that the all-rounder “panicked.”
“You’ve blown it big time” – Gayle
Speaking on talkSPORT, the self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ didn’t hold back. “If I could get the chance to get 400, I would get 400,” Gayle said. “Any time you get a chance like that, you try and make the best out of it. Come on, you’re on 367, automatically you have to take a chance at the record.”
Gayle, who himself came close with a 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010, felt Mulder panicked under the pressure of the moment. “Maybe he panicked, he didn’t know what to do. If you want to be a legend, how are you going to become a legend? Records come with being a legend.”
“I think it was an error from his side, not to try and go to get it. We don’t know if he would go on and get it or not. But he declared on 367 and he said what he had to say. But listen, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to get 400 runs in a Test match. Come on, youngster, you’ve blown it big time!”
Mulder’s feat came against a Zimbabwe side ranked 12th in the world, which some critics suggested may have lessened its significance. But Gayle dismissed that argument. “It doesn’t matter the opponent, if you get 100 against any team, that’s a Test century. If you get a double or triple, 400, that’s Test cricket. That’s the ultimate game.”
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