Perth Test, Day 3, Close
Sunday, December 2, 2001

Poor old Warnie! That innings had everything – big shots, dropped catches, wickets at the other end. A nation was on the edge of its seat. The crowd was rapt, and everyone will have been glued to their tellies back home. I don't know quite what he was trying to do at the end there. He'd placed the ball really calmly up until then, and run well with McGrath. I guess he tried to place it firmly over midwicket, but it wasn't firm enough. He's wanted a century for so long – will he ever get one? After that ... probably not.

Daniel Vettori was immaculate under pressure – his flight and drift caused problems throughout, and he earned every one of his wickets. The others stuck to their task – and they won't be too disappointed to miss out on the follow-on. A lead of 183 with two days to go is a seriously strong position.

New Zealand will want 250 runs minimum tomorrow, as a lead of 430 should be beyond even Australia. They'll aim to step it up at teatime and have a crack in the last hour or so. Australia will simply be looking for the big breakthroughs every session – there will be a fair number of catchers mixed in with those protecting the runs, and the form of Glenn McGrath and Warne will be key. Warnie's been out in the middle all day so he may be a bit tired, but Vettori has 6 for 87 to his 1 for 135 so far, so he'll have a point or two to prove. He'll be smarting after his dismissal, and if he doesn't pick up some wickets he'll take home some pretty sour memories of the match.

If Warne hadn't been going for his century it is quite possible that Steve Waugh would have declared at the follow-on mark, or overnight at any rate, to give some extra time for wickets. Australia will still feel they have their noses in this match, but they're not rubbing in it by any stretch. For New Zealand the big question is whether they can take the game out of Australia's reach – or even, do they want to? Fleming, if he's feeling gutsy, may want to leave a bit of an incentive for the Aussies, to tempt them into rash shots.

There are no devils in the pitch – it is as true as ever. Only one ball misbehaved all day, and that one was wide outside Martyn's offstump. There's a bit of turn for the spinners, and good bounce as well, but New Zealand do have the best of the conditions, as Australia are going to have to bat last against Vettori.

All of the New Zealanders are going to have to be prepared to dip in tomorrow. Getting in on this pitch will be as important as ever, and banking on an even spread of 40s will be the safest way to guarantee a score, rather than relying on four big scores. Australia will target Vincent in particular – after a ton in his first innings it will be interesting to see how he shapes up. And Mathew Sinclair will be under pressure to perform as well. There will be no easy runs for him.

New Zealand were magnificent in their first innings, and they backed it up well with the ball today. Whatever they come up with tomorrow, it'll have to be quality.

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.

More Ian Healy
Day 3, Tea: Patience, Patience
Day 3, Lunch: Captain Grumpy

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