Wiaan Mulder’s Near-Miracle: 33 Runs Short of Immortality in Test Cricket

 

In the world of Test cricket, milestones are sacred. Reaching 300 is a rarity, but touching 400 is an immortal feat — a record only Brian Lara has achieved in the history of the game. For a few thrilling hours, South African captain Wiaan Mulder looked like he would rewrite that chapter. But as fate would have it, he walked off the field for lunch on a towering 367, just 33 runs shy of Lara’s 400*, before South Africa declared their innings at 625/5.

What unfolded was nothing short of a spectacle. Mulder's innings was not just about numbers, it was a masterclass in mental endurance, stroke-play, and leadership. He faced only 297 balls, maintaining a blistering strike rate and proving that aggression and patience can coexist harmoniously in Test cricket. His score is now etched in the record books as one of the fastest triple centuries — only second to Virender Sehwag’s unforgettable 278-ball triple ton in 2008.

But the declaration — though strategically sound — stirs up debate. Was it a bold decision for the team, or a cruel denial of personal glory? Many would argue that with the pitch flat and momentum strong, Mulder deserved the chance to chase history. Others might defend the declaration as a signal of South Africa’s intent to dominate the game and put pressure back on the opposition.

Yet, the reality remains: Wiaan Mulder has arrived — not just as a captain, but as a record-threatening, era-defining batter. He played with the kind of swagger that Test cricket needs to stay relevant in a world consumed by T20s. His 367 wasn’t just an innings, it was a statement. One of power, promise, and potential.

While he may have missed out on eclipsing Lara’s mythical 400*, he has undeniably earned a seat at the table of the greats — and perhaps, given the form he’s in, this may just be the beginning of more legendary knocks to come.