Headingley Test, Day 2, Close
Friday, August 17, 2001 I've been really impressed with England's attitude in the final session. They showed a lot of mental aggression and everything they've done has been decisive. Even when they've left the ball, it's been in a positive fashion.

There was no greater test for Nasser Hussain than going out to bat this afternoon. Two wickets had just fallen quickly and he had to face Glenn McGrath in the middle of a fantastic spell, with the fielders all round the bat. There was so much pressure on him and, added to that, he had no cricket under his belt. But he answered that challenge and he should be very proud of that.

To me, Hussain and Mark Butcher actually look like they're enjoying themselves. We haven't seen enough of that this year. Butcher looks the most relaxed. That's probably a product of being in and out of the team so often, and feeling that this might be his last chance.

The Australian bowling has certainly been patchy today. Both Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee have been a bit ragged, and it took a magnificent spell by Glenn McGrath to get those two wickets. It was typical champion stuff from him right after tea. He came out, adjusted his length, and caused some real headaches.

But the batsmen fought back really well. The two guys that are in now have to go on, like Ricky Ponting did. It's not a difficult pitch once you're in - it's only when you're new to the crease that it can be tricky.

Ian Healy made a record 395 dismissals in 119 Tests for Australia, and was on the winning side in the last six Ashes series. His comments will appear on Wisden.com at the end of every session for the rest of the series. He was talking to Camilla Rossiter

More Ian Healy
Time for the impact ball - Lunch
Trescothick's lucky escape- Tea

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd