Context:

Wiaan Mulder, captaining South Africa for the first time, declared the innings while 33 runs short of breaking Brian Lara's world record for the highest individual Test score of 400 not out. Mulder was 367 not out during the second Test against Zimbabwe, having achieved the highest score by a South African and the fifth-highest individual score in Test cricket history. Despite having ample time to surpass Lara's record, Mulder chose to end the innings on 626-5, possibly out of respect for Lara's legacy. His innings included a triple-century, only the second by a South African, reached in 297 balls, the second-fastest after Virender Sehwag's 278-ball triple. Mulder, recently promoted to bat at number three, showed exceptional form following a 147-run innings in the previous Test against Zimbabwe.

Dive Deeper:

• Wiaan Mulder, making his debut as South Africa's captain, declared the team's innings with a personal score of 367 not out, forgoing the chance to surpass Brian Lara's record of 400 not out. His decision to declare was made after reaching the fifth-highest individual score in Test history.

• Mulder's innings, which included the highest individual score by a South African, came during the second Test against Zimbabwe, where South Africa declared at 626-5. Despite having almost four full days to potentially break the record, Mulder opted to declare, a move reminiscent of Mark Taylor's declaration to avoid surpassing Don Bradman's score.

• The innings marked Mulder's third century in Test cricket, batting in a new position at number three, after being promoted from the lower-middle order late last year. His previous best was 147 in the earlier Test in the series against Zimbabwe.

• Achieving his triple-century in just 297 balls, Mulder recorded the second-fastest triple-century in Test cricket history, trailing only Virender Sehwag's record against South Africa in 2008, which was done in 278 balls.

• Mulder's decision to declare reflects a respect for the historical significance of Lara's record, as well as a strategic move to maintain South Africa's chances of victory in the Test match. His unfinished innings also meant he passed up the opportunity to achieve only the 12th quadruple century in first-class cricket.

• This innings by Mulder was notable for being only the 33rd instance of an individual score exceeding 300 in Test cricket, emphasizing the rarity and achievement of his performance.

• The record for the highest first-class score remains with Brian Lara at 501 not out, achieved for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994, a benchmark Mulder did not challenge despite his impressive form on the field.