Proteas batsman Wiaan Mulder’s triple century deserves high praise (“Conrad backs Mulder’s choice to let Lara’s record stand,” July 8).
In an era where aggressive batting often overshadows discipline, it is refreshing to see a player grind it out with focus, fitness and determination. Few batters today show the temperament to occupy the crease for that long, let alone convert it into a triple hundred.
Mulder’s innings is a testament to his mental and physical strength, and he is beginning to look like a Jacques Kallis in the making. If nurtured well, he could become a genuine all rounder for the Proteas.
That said, the Test series itself felt like a mismatch. The Proteas could have declared around the 300-mark if batting first, setting up a more competitive scenario. It would have offered a genuine challenge to Zimbabwe while giving SA’s bowlers a meaningful test under pressure.
Instead, the batters faced a weakened attack and the bowlers had a mountain of runs behind them, conditions unlikely to be replicated in the World Test Championship. The match offered limited value as preparation for tougher contests ahead.
It may even present a false picture of our team’s current capability. And if the decision was to bat on and pile up runs, why stop at a triple century? Why not push for a quadruple ton?
Since when did paying tribute to Brian Lara become a determining factor in how we approach a Test match?
Prasad Dole
Constantia
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