Gayle Criticizes Mulder’s Missed Opportunity for Record

Chris Gayle, the former West Indies opening batsman, has voiced his disagreement with Wiaan Mulder’s choice to declare at 367 not out. Gayle believes Mulder should have pursued Brian Lara’s long-held record for the highest individual score in a Test innings.

Mulder, the 27-year-old who was captaining the Proteas in a Test match for the first time, broke numerous significant and longstanding records with his remarkable innings. He also achieved the highest individual score by a South African batsman in Test matches, surpassing Hashim Amla’s previous record.

He was on the verge of breaking Brian Lara’s all-time record of 400 runs for the highest individual score in Test cricket. However, the all-rounder chose not to chase it and declared the innings instead.

Wiaan Mulder later admitted that he deliberately allowed Brian Lara to retain the all-time record.

Mulder stated, “To be frank, I had never imagined getting a double century, much less a triple century. More importantly, it has placed the team in a favorable position to win this Test.”

“We felt we had scored enough runs. Brian Lara is a legend. He scored 400 or 401 or something against England, and it is special for someone to maintain that record. I spoke with Shukri Conrad about letting the legends keep their records. It is fitting that Lara retains that record,” he added.

Gayle, Lara’s former teammate, disagreed with Mulder’s declaration. He stated that he would have gone for the record if he had been in that situation.

Gayle said, “If I had the opportunity to score 400, I would definitely go for it. Such opportunities are rare. You never know when you will get another chance to score a triple-century. Whenever you have such an opportunity, you should try to make the most of it.”

“Come on, if you’re at 367, you automatically have to take a shot at the record. If you aspire to be a legend… how else will you become a legend? Records are part of being a legend,” he added.

Despite acknowledging Mulder’s generous gesture, Chris Gayle reiterated that he thought Mulder missed a unique opportunity. He also expressed his belief that the South African panicked and made a mistake.

Gayle commented, “I believe it was an error on his part not to try and get it. We don’t know if he would have succeeded or not. But he declared at 367 and explained his reasons. But, come on, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to score 400 runs in a Test match. Youngster, you’ve really messed up,” Gayle added.

“It’s still Test cricket,” Gayle stated. “Sometimes, you might not even score one run against a team like Zimbabwe, if you want to put it that way. Regardless of the opponent, a century against any team is still a Test century. If you score a double or triple, or 400, that’s Test cricket. That’s the ultimate game.”

“As I mentioned, he panicked and blundered, plain and simple.”