Wiaan Mulder – Pieter Willem Adriana Mulder – became the sixth Proteas Test captain in two years, and 18th overall of South Africa, after Keshav Maharaj had to opt out due to a groin injury.
The World Test champions who cannot afford longer Test series on their calendars, have rotated players plenty in the last WTC cycle, and inadvertently developed a leadership cohort as some of the main players get rested, as they straddle multiple formats. Nicknamed Mr Cool due to his calm demeanour, the SRH batter looked ready for the responsibility.
Temba Bavuma opted out of the Zimbabwe series, alongside other frontliners Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada as Keshav Maharaj was named captain. The Proteas smashed Zimbabwe in the first Test, and have called up ready replacements after injuries.
Wiaan Mulder who starred with bat and ball, with a century at No 3, was named captain earlier this week. He became the 18th captain in the country’s 34-year-old Test history post Apartheid re-entry. The juggling of personnel has also meant the WTC champs have had 6 captains since the last WTC cycle two years ago.
Mulder follows Maharaj (1 Test, 2025), Temba Bavuma (10 Tests, 9 won, 2023-25), Neil Brand (2 Tests, 2024), Dean Elgar (18 Tests, 2017-2024) and Aiden Markram (2 Tests, 2024). Prior to that Quinton de Kock (4 Tests, 2020-21) and Faf du Plessis (36 Tests, 2016-20) led the Saffers. AB de Villiers captained in 3 Tests, and Hashim Amla in 14. Big Biff Graeme Smith led in 108 between 2003-14 and won 53, losing 28.
Senuran Muthusamy replaced Maharaj on the spinner’s spot for the Bulawayo Test. Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Friedel de Wet and Imraan Khan joined up the squad as Proteas Test caps bulged to 139.
Mulder had a brilliant opening Test against Zimbabwe as he bagged 4 wickets and scored a ton, amongst other things, though youngster Lhu Andre Pretorius starred with a M-o-M show.
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Mulder after the match explained how things were coming together at No 3. “To be honest I wanted to get some runs at No 3. I’ve had a couple of chances now. Very chuffed to put
second innings hundred on board. Bowlers with new ball in that phase here is tricky. Something I’m trying to figure out how to go about it. I try to get more positive in innings. Put bad balls away consistently. And not worry too much about making too many mistakes up front because you are bound to get good balls. It’s all about body language and what you trying to achieve. That’s what Chips has been trying to push me towards,’ he told Cricket SA Instagram.
Mulder said he enjoyed batting at No 3, a position he had batted at since early years, which he reckoned brought both responsibility and reward. However coach Shukri Conrad has had to convince him to loosen up a little to not draw on extra pressure.
“I’m a pretty conservative person generally. So I think I always have to be perfect. He’s trying to get me out of that box,” he said.
On his batting process, he said, “I’m trying to get my mental routine right. Consistently want to be in a place where I can perform at best. Right from WTC I’m feeling well. Right through to now, Like I’ve trained well, played well. Bat and ball. Have been catching-wise as well. My game is in a good place,” the new captain, 27, said.
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His form has been a fuschia pink in Zimbabwe. “Put runs on board when you feeling good. Lot of times feeling and looking good doesn’t translate to runs. I’m happy it worked out well that way. I put it down to mental routine and mental focus. Technically I’m pretty sound generally. On a wicket like this where there’s so much for seamers. If you don’t get it right, you will get Out,” he elaborated.
“In this team, it seems like because of how close we are, our character consistently shows on being on top. So far so good,” the new captain assured.
