Social media erupted with a mix of admiration and frustration. Some praised Mulder's humility, while others argued he missed a once-in-a-lifetime chance to etch his name in the record books.

After declaring on himself with 33 runs remaining to tie the highest individual Test score, Mulder said Lara deserves to keep the milestone.

South Africa captain Wiaan Mulder declared on himself this morning, 33 runs shy of Brian Lara ’s record for the highest individual score in a Test innings. Captaining South Africa for the first time as they faced Zimbabwe, he was 367 not out at lunch in the second day of the second Test.