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South Africa National Cricket Team head coach Shukri Conrad has revealed the reason behind his advice to Wiaan Mulder to stop batting before reaching Brian Lara's world record of 400 not out in Test cricket last year.
Mulder had a golden opportunity to create history during the Test match against Zimbabwe in 2025, but he decided not to continue batting after reaching 367 not out.
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Shukri Conrad feared world record could put huge pressure on Wiaan Mulder
Shukri Conrad has now explained that his decision was not based on the match situation but on Wiaan Mulder’s mental well-being and future career. He felt that becoming the highest individual run-scorer in Test history could bring huge pressure on Mulder every time he stepped onto the field.
The South African head coach believed that breaking Lara's record of 400 not out could change the way people looked at Mulder as a cricketer. He felt the Proteas batter could have faced constant comparisons with his historic innings, and he could have faced massive criticism even after a few low scores or poor performances in the traditional format of the game.
Conrad also considered whether Mulder would be comfortable carrying the tag of a world record holder throughout his career. He felt that such a huge achievement could become a mental burden rather than a blessing for the South African all-rounder.
Can you live with that tag? Shukri Conrad reveals why he asked Wiaan Mulder to stop at 367
Although most coaches would encourage a player to break such a massive record, Conrad believed in protecting the player's confidence and mental health was more important than creating history. Both Conrad and Mulder eventually agreed with the decision.
Shukri Conrad said, “I suggested to him, 'I think you should pull out before you get there because I don't know if you would be able to live with it...Every time you walk out, you would walk out as a world record holder. Can you live with that tag?”
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Conrad on Mulder not going for the Lara record "I suggested to him, 'I think you should pull out before you get there because I don' t know if you would be able to live with it... Every time you walk out, you would walk out as a world record holder Can you live with that tag?' https://t.co/F3C1pUCS0J
— Werner (@Werries_) November 6, 2026
Wiaan Mulder's Australia heroics prove why he is South Africa's biggest all-round asset
Meanwhile, Wiaan Mulder has recently played a key role in South Africa's 2-1 Test series win over Australia at home. The all-rounder made important contributions with both bat and ball throughout the three-match Test series against the Australian side.
During the first Test in Durban, he scored 30 and 29 runs and also claimed four wickets for 68 runs in the first innings. The all-rounder picked up five wickets with figures of 2/14 and 3/64 in the second Test at Gqeberha.
In the third Test in Cape Town, Mulder scored a brilliant 115 off 221 balls in the second innings and helped South Africa to beat Australia by 176 runs to clinch the series 2-1.
Mulder has already established himself as a valuable all-rounder in Test cricket. In 27 Tests, he has scored 1440 runs at an average of 36 and taken 48 wickets. In ODIs and T20Is, he has scored 338 and 152 runs while picking up 26 and 13 wickets, respectively.
