Prince backs Mulder’s call not to chase Lara

Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince believes Wiaan Mulder made the right decision by not attempting to break Brian Lara’s world record Test score.

South Africa wrapped up a 2-0 series win with an emphatic innings-and-236-run victory in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, where Mulder smashed an unbeaten 367 – the highest Test score by a South African and fifth on the all-time list.

Mulder had the chance to chase Brian Lara’s 400* – the world record set against England in Antigua in 2004 – but chose not to, out of respect for the legends of the game.

“Brian Lara is a legend. He got 401 or whatever it was against England. For someone of that stature to keep the record is pretty special. I think if I get the chance again, I would do the same again,” Mulder said.

“He made his statement after the game and it speaks volumes of his character, respecting some of the legends of the game,” Prince told SportsBoom.co.za. “Three guys ahead of him, Brian Lara features twice alongside one or two others. Yes, it was an opportunity for him to write his name right at the top of that list and I know the cricketing world will probably respect his decision.”

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Some critics noted that Matthew Hayden’s 380 – then a world record – also came against Zimbabwe in 2003. But Prince insisted that one innings alone didn’t define Hayden’s greatness, and said Mulder had nothing to prove.

“I got a lot of respect for Mulder’s decision, and I am happy. Ultimately for us, we want to win the game. And he did break the South African record – those opportunities will come. It doesn’t come every day, but he played a fantastic innings.”

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Prince praised Mulder’s knock as “truly a sensational innings” and added that he was “in awe” watching the stand-in skipper at work.

“It was a classy effort – just the measure of control for me as the batting coach was pleasing to witness,” he said. “The stroke play from Wiaan reminds me of one of the bigger names like a Joe Root, Virat Kohli or Kane Williamson.”