Former West Indies Legend Brian Lara’s record-breaking 400* Test Cricket has stood unchallenged for over two decades. But after South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder’s recent heroics, fresh conversations have started about who might finally break this iconic mark.
Mulder played a remarkable innings against Zimbabwe in the second Test earlier this week, finishing unbeaten on 367. He had enough time and momentum to push for Lara’s record but made the surprising choice to declare the innings at Lunch. As the stand-in captain, Mulder put his team first, believing they needed time to bowl Zimbabwe out and secure a win. Speaking after the match, he admitted he had no intention of going past Lara’s core, calling the record “special” and saying he would likely make the same decision if given the other chances.
Michael Atherton on Brian Lara’s Possible Record Breakers
Mulder’s decision sparked mixed reactions among fans and experts; some praised the selflessness and respect for the game’s history, while others felt he missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Atherton shared an interesting insight from a conversation he had with Lara years ago. When Atherton asked who might break the 400-run barrier in the future, Lara confidently mentioned India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal and England’s Harry Brook. Lara believed that the aggressive approach and fast scoring rates of modern batters made it possible for someone to chase down his record someday.
“I spoke to Brian Lara on the eve of his first record-breaking innings, his 375, and I said do you expect somebody to break it? He said somebody will definitely break it because of the pace at which the modern player scores. I asked who is more likely to do it? He mentioned Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harry Brook, he thought perhaps they were likely to have a crack at it,” Atherton said on the Sky Sports Podcast.
Jaiswal and Harry Brook can go past Brian Lara’s 400*
Jaiswal has already impressed cricket fans and experts alike with multiple double centuries early in his Test Career. His ability to build long innings and his hunger for big runs make him a strong contender. On the other hand, Brook’s fearless batting style was on full display when he hammered 317 against Pakistan in 2024, showing he had the mindset and skill to aim for such a historic achievement.
While cricket fans love big records and personal milestones, Mulder’s call highlighted the importance of team spirit in Test Cricket. His choice to prioritize the match result over personal glory sparked debate but also reminded the world of the deep respect played for Cricket legends like Lara. Whether Lara’s 400* will eventually be broken remains to be seen, but for now, it stands as a proud symbol of skill, patience and mental strength. With promising talents like Jaiswal and Brook on the rise, fans will be watching closely in the coming years, waiting to see if anyone can finally surpass one of the most iconic records in cricket history.
