Perth Test, Day 5, Lunch
Tuesday, December 4, 2001

That was a 50:50 session for New Zealand. They won't be happy with just the one wicket – they'd have wanted at least two – but at the same time I reckon the game is now out of reach for Australia. The only way Australia can lose is if they carry on playing to win, and there will be some big decisions taking place in the dressing room at the moment. Steve Waugh knows how important this result is to the reputation of his team, and he certainly doesn't want another India on his hands.

It's been a tough morning for Waugh. He's well aware that Australia often lose matches that they should have drawn, and of all the batsmen, he is the best equipped to bat it out. But at the same time he's got a lot on his plate. He's not in the best of nick – and New Zealand know it. There's no doubting their respect for him, but they are giving him a hard time out there. And as if that's not enough, Brett Lee got hauled in front of the match referee for his gesture last night, and was fined 75% of his match fee. Waugh has gone on record saying "my team will not misbehave," so this is very embarrassing for him, especially as he wasn't present at the meeting. As for the punishment, I reckon it fits the crime. A suspension would not have been out of the question, but it would have been nothing more than a reaction to the events in India.

Fleming's captaincy this morning has been superb again. It was a great decision to get Vettori straight into the action after Martin's first over, and an even better one to switch ends for the wicket, though he immediately switched him back again. If I have a criticism it is that he's been a touch conservative. Vettori hasn't had the best of the conditions so far today – there hasn't been that extra bounce. He'll be at his most effective later in the afternoon, so he might as well rest for a bit, or just bowl 5-6 over bursts, and get his fingers back. People tend not to realise just how fatigued the spinning fingers can get in the course of a day. Bringing Nathan Astle on was a good move, and Fleming still has Chris Cairns in reserve. He's been out on the park all morning, but he hasn't been at his best in this match. His wrist has been round too far to the left in delivery, so he's lacked his usual nip and outswing.

New Zealand though can keep on calling the shots – mix it up, attack or defend, depending on who's facing. For Australia, the big question is – is it on or off? For Steve Waugh I'm sure it's off, and he won't be inclined to play his shots, but Mark Waugh, who plays at his best without instructions, certainly will. That's another dilemma for the captain, and if Mark gets going, then who knows? He might reignite the chase. Fleming will bide his time, and wait until he knows Australia really are on the back foot.

There's still nothing for the seamers. Less than half a dozen balls have misbehaved and it really is a road. They will have to bowl a really aggressive line – full and wide to intice the shots, or short and straight, with the spare fielders catching on the legside. Short, sharp bursts – four overs per bowler will be the best policy, to keep the Australians on their mettle.

But Australia should still escape with a draw.

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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