5 Powerful Moments of Respect in Cricket

In a rare but powerful gesture of respect in cricket, South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder recently declared on 367*, just 31 runs shy of Brian Lara’s iconic 400*, out of sheer respect for the record and its legacy. While controversial to some, such declarations show cricket’s deep-rooted culture of honour and reverence. Let’s look at 5 other times cricketers valued respect above all else. (Please note: he following moments are not listed in any order. We’re simply highlighting some of the most powerful displays of respect in cricket’s rich history.)

Mark Taylor Declares on 334* to Honour Don Bradman (1998)

During a Test in Peshawar in 1998, Australian captain Mark Taylor reached 334 not out, equaling Sir Don Bradman’s iconic highest Test score. With the pitch still flat and runs flowing, Taylor had every opportunity to continue batting and etch his name even deeper into the record books. But the next morning, he surprised everyone by declaring the innings closed. His reason? Pure reverence. “It would’ve felt wrong,” Taylor later said, choosing to share Bradman’s number rather than surpass it.

The gesture resonated deeply across the cricketing world. At a time when personal milestones often dominate headlines, Taylor’s act reminded fans and players alike that cricket is also about humility and honour. By declaring on 334*, Taylor didn’t just match Bradman statistically… he matched him in spirit, reinforcing cricket’s rich tradition of respect for those who paved the way. Even ESPNcricinfo hailed it as “the ultimate tribute.”

Adam Gilchrist Walks After Umpire Miss, World Cup Semi-Final, 2003

In the high-stakes 2003 ICC World Cup semi-final between Australia and Sri Lanka, Adam Gilchrist played one of the most remarkable innings of his career. The innings will be remembered not just for his runs but for a rare act of integrity that stunned the cricketing world. On 22 runs, Gilchrist edged a delivery from Aravinda de Silva. The umpire didn’t raise his finger; it was not given out. But before any appeal could escalate, Gilchrist quietly walked off, acknowledging the edge himself.

In a post-match interview, Gilchrist explained:

“I’ve always believed that to maintain the integrity of the game, I must take responsibility myself.”

It was a bold move. In a World Cup knockout match, with millions watching and a place in the final on the line, walking without being given out could’ve drawn criticism if Australia had lost. But instead, it became a defining moment of respect in cricket’s long tradition of sportsmanship. The act was met with admiration across the cricketing world. Even opposition players, fans, and commentators praised Gilchrist’s honesty.

Graeme Smith’s Brave Return at the MCG (2008)

In December 2008, South Africa was playing Australia at the MCG in the second Test of the series. Having already fractured his left hand and injured his right elbow, Graeme Smith, the South African captain, was ruled out of batting in the second innings. Most assumed his series was done.

But as the final wickets fell and South Africa faced defeat, something extraordinary happened: Smith walked out to bat at No. 11, heavily bandaged, in clear pain, to save the Test match. The Australians, the commentators, and the fans at the MCG all stood up in collective disbelief and admiration.

He lasted 17 balls before being bowled by Mitchell Johnson with just 10 minutes of play remaining, but the effort was etched into cricketing folklore. Ricky Ponting later called it one of the toughest acts he’d ever witnessed. Smith didn’t save the match, but he earned something more permanent: the cricket world’s respect.

Nathan Lyon Hobbles Out at Lord’s (2023), Long Room Erupts

Earning the applause of the Long Room at Lord’s is a moment of respect in cricket that every player dreams of. During the dramatic 2023 Ashes Test at Lord’s, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon tore his calf muscle and was expected to take no further part in the match. But when Australia needed every run to build a defendable total, Lyon shocked everyone by walking out to bat at No. 11, clearly in pain and using a runner.

What happened next added another layer of cricket tradition: as Lyon hobbled off after being dismissed, the normally reserved and elite Lord’s Long Room stood and applauded him, a rare occurrence for a visiting player, especially in the middle of an intense Ashes series.

Even England fans and pundits praised the courage. Michael Vaughan tweeted: “What Nathan Lyon did today was one of the bravest acts I’ve seen on a cricket field.” The image of Lyon limping off under the Long Room’s arches became symbolic, not of runs or results, but of the spirit of cricket, where bravery and heart are honoured regardless of team colours.

Virat Kohli Defends Steve Smith Amid Boos – 2019 World Cup

During the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Australian batsman Steve Smith faced loud boos and jeers from sections of the crowd in nearly every game, including during Australia’s clash with India at The Oval. Still fresh from his suspension following the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, Smith was repeatedly heckled by fans, even when he was fielding on the boundary.

What happened next was a standout moment of leadership and respect in cricket. Virat Kohli, then India’s captain and not known for pulling punches on the field, turned toward the crowd and gestured with both hands to stop the booing. He then walked over to Smith and applauded him, encouraging fans to do the same.

Kohli later said in the post-match press conference: “He’s just playing cricket. He’s back. You don’t want to see a guy feel that heat every time he steps onto the field.” The moment went viral. Even the ICC shared it with the caption: “#SpiritOfCricket”, and fans around the world praised Kohli’s maturity. Smith himself thanked Kohli publicly, saying: “That was a lovely gesture from him.”

In a tournament full of drama and rivalry, this stood out, not for runs or wickets, but for a quiet moment of empathy that reminded everyone watching that respect in cricket runs deeper than the scoreboard.

Celebrating Moments of Respect in Cricket

While everyone is entitled to their opinion on Wiaan Mulder’s declaration, moments like these remind us just how unique cricket is. In what other sport would a player pause on the brink of history, not out of fear, but out of respect for those who came before? You’d never see Ronaldo stop at Pelé’s goal tally, so Pelé could keep the record. Or Carlos Alcaraz retiring early, so Rafael Nadal could become the highest Spanish Slam winner. But in cricket, respect sometimes matters more than the milestone.

At BatFast, we celebrate these quiet, powerful traditions. We’re proud to have powered fan experiences at the ICC Cricket World Cups in 2019 and 2023, and the T20 World Cups in 2022 and 2024, giving fans around the world a chance to connect with the game’s spirit, up close, personal, and sometimes even emotional.

Because cricket isn’t just about stats or wins. It’s about stories, sportsmanship, and the kind of respect you just don’t find anywhere else.

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FAQs

Can I simulate Wiaan Mulder’s 369* at BatFast?
Yes. With BatFast’s cricket simulators, you can recreate match scenarios ball-by-ball, including innings like Mulder’s 369*, using the same speeds, lines, and lengths.

Can BatFast simulate real Test match conditions?
Absolutely. You can train for long-format games by facing 200–300 balls an hour, replicating pace, swing, spin, and tactical field setups.

What makes cricket unique compared to other sports?
Cricket’s respect for tradition, like players declaring before records or walking without being given out, sets it apart. It’s a sport where legacy often outweighs stats.

Can BatFast Cricket Simulators help you train for match situations?
Yes,  BatFast Cricket Simulators allows you to simulator a real game situation and train for it in an augmented reality environment.  

Can you name any key academies that use BatFast Cricket Simulators Technology for training?
BatFast Cricket Simulators are at numerous training venues. Some notable academies are S20 (Joe Root Academy) and ICC Academy in UAE.