Brian Lara's pride, a world record that has stood for 21 years, looked set to be broken yesterday as South Africa's Wiaan Mulder raced to 367* at lunch on the second day.
Despite being on the cusp of immortality, Mulder, captaining the Test side for the first time, decided to put the team first, declaring the innings as he stood unbeaten on 367 off 334 balls after the Proteas had racked up a massive total of 626 for the loss of five wickets.
Speaking after the game, Mulder said, "Brian Lara is a legend. He got 401 or whatever it was (it was 400) against England. For someone of that stature to keep the record is pretty special," Mulder said at the close of play.
"I think if I get the chance again I would do the same again."
Mulder added that he spoke with South African coach Shukri Conrad, who agreed with his decision.
"He said to me as well, let the legend keep the record. I never know what my fate will be but letting Brian Lara keep the record is the way it should be."
Still, his accomplishment was enshrined as one of the top five in the list of highest individual scores in Test cricket.
Lara's sublime display had come against England at the St John's Stadium in Antigua in 2004, when he played an unbeaten knock of 400 off 582 balls.
The West Indian legend had first set the record at the same venue with a 375-run knock against England in 1994.
Interestingly, when Matthew Hayden claimed the record in October of 2003, he had done so by scoring 380 against Zimbabwe.
Lara proceeded to demolish that record within just seven months and reclaim his place at the top.
The other score ahead of Mulder is the 374 by Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa in 2006.
This was only Mulder's third time reaching three figures in Test cricket and followed a 147 in the second innings of the first Test against Zimbabwe.
Although he did not chase the record, Bulawayo witnessed something very special.
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