Of the six batters to make 350, he also did so the quickest, needing just 324 balls, beating Matthew Hayden’s mark of 402 in the Australian’s innings of 380, also against Zimbabwe in Perth in 2003.
Mulder struck 49 fours and four sixes, the second most boundaries in a Test innings behind England’s John Edrich, who hit 52 fours and five sixes while making 310 against New Zealand in 1965.
Those categories all indicate the nature of the innings and will make those who felt he should have chased Lara’s record even more incensed.
That mood would not have been helped after Zimbabwe capitulated for 170 when it was their turn to bat. That first innings lasted just 43 overs. In total Zimbabwe’s batters faced 74 balls less than Mulder managed throughout his innings.
Debutant Prenalen Subrayen took 4/42, while Mulder also helped himself to two wickets and held a catch at slip.
After being forced to follow on the home side reached 51/1 at stumps. Not especially memorable, but this Test has already earned a spot in the history books — for a decision not to score any more runs.