South African cricket coach Shukri Conrad has revealed the unusual advice he gave Wiaan Mulder regarding the possibility of breaking Brian Lara's historic Test cricket batting record.

Conrad disclosed that he advised Mulder to consider withdrawing before reaching Lara's legendary record, raising questions about whether the South African all-rounder would be comfortable carrying the burden of becoming a world-record holder.

Recalling their conversation, Conrad said he told Mulder:

"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?"

The comments highlight the extraordinary pressure that comes with achieving a record that has stood as one of the most remarkable milestones in international cricket.

Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, having scored an unbeaten 400 against England in 2004.

Mulder famously declared South Africa's innings on 367 not out against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo in July 2025, despite having the opportunity to continue batting and potentially challenge Lara's record.

His decision to declare generated widespread discussion among cricket supporters, with opinions divided over whether he should have continued pursuing history or prioritised the team's interests.

Conrad's latest remarks offer insight into the thinking behind the decision, suggesting that the psychological weight of breaking such a prestigious record was also part of the conversation.

The episode remains one of the most fascinating talking points in South African cricket, with Mulder's innings placing him in a position few players ever experience.

Source;https://x.com/Werries_/status/2118595146770010188