Perth Test, Day 3, Tea
Sunday, December 2, 2001 That was New Zealand's most positive session of the innings – they tried hard, reined things in when they needed to, and got the two wickets they'd have been hoping for. Three would have been great, but that was a really bad dropped catch from Nathan Astle. It could be crucial. We've all seen how well this pitch plays when you get in, and the likes of Shane Warne and Brett Lee could have some fun on it if they find their feet, just as Astle and Parore did for New Zealand.

The follow-on is a possibility for Australia, but I doubt whether Fleming would enforce it. The bowlers are going to be pretty tired by the end of the day, and there would still be an hour or so of play ahead of them if they were to bowl again. That's a big gamble to take. 75 runs came from 15 fresh overs last night – a quick 65 or so this evening, with the whole of the fourth day to bat, and New Zealand might be chasing a total of 250-plus on the final day.

Vettori and Martin have been the pick of the bowling so far, especially Vettori. He's got the lot – drift, spin, bounce, control – and Fleming used him well, in short bursts when he was needed, which allowed Chris Martin a good spell down the breeze. Shane Bond was unlucky – I don't know what Astle was thinking, but that was a dolly from where I was sitting. He'd maybe given up on it a bit, as Warne had shaped to play down the legside, but you could tell he was desperately disappointed with himself. Warne's on 20-odd now, and he's starting to think about his game again.

New Zealand have got to come out firing after tea. The new ball is due in 15 overs or so, which may influence their thinking, but quick breakthroughs are essential on this wicket. I'd give it one bash, then keep things dry for a final blast.

Australia have batted breezily, but they've been unsettled. Only Langer and Martyn have approached their innings with the right level of discipline, and New Zealand must learn from that. If they get impatient they'll be in trouble.

Last night they would have been happy with a positive draw – now New Zealand will be less content. Just seeing the Aussies scrambling for once will be satisfying, but they mustn't think along those lines just yet. Right now in the dressing-room, they should only be thinking of the next breakthrough.

Ian Healy made a record 395 dismissals in 119 Tests for Australia. His comments will be appearing on Wisden.com at the end of every session in the series. He was talking to Andrew Miller.

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