Adelaide Test, Day 3, Tea
Sunday, December 16, 2001

That session was very much status quo - neither team really made major inroads into the game.

There are a few differing opinions on this partnership between Neil McKenzie and Mark Boucher. Some have been a little bit down on them for not trying to score runs. But there really wasn't much to score off, and it was a bit tough to play shots against Shane Warne.

I think 86 runs in the session was great. They didn't lose a wicket after Klusener went, and there's still plenty of time left in the game. Another session of doing what they're doing and Australia are going to have to bat well again to set them a target.

Warne did the right thing bowling round the wicket, but he did it for a little bit too long - best to try it for four or five overs and then change. Around the wicket takes lbw out of the equation, and it's always been his great skill that he can switch sides and hold his line.

Warnie has to keep trying to entice them into a few things - like he did to Lance Klusener. The last thing on Klusener's mind would have been that he was going to get bowled.

Neil McKenzie's pedigree has really shown through in this match. He is known for his temperament and his sense of humour, and that's coming through. The other thing is he's one of the players Australia really wanted to target. This is his first outing against them, and they want to keep him down but he has got through that challenge.

I'm surprised Shaun Pollock is batting himself so low. Actually I think he under-bats himself all the time. I want Pollock to bat more in Test cricket - he's an entertaining, powerful, skilful player.

I'm not surprised the Australians hung on to the old ball. Warne was bowling well and I think they sensed it might reverse a bit better than it did. But no doubt they'll take the new ball straight after tea.

I'm looking forward to Brett Lee bowling after tea. I really enjoyed his spell just before the break. That type of spell - straight and short and fast - reminds me of what Merv Hughes used to do.

Ideally the Australians would like to keep it tight in the final session and wrap things up just before stumps or first thing tomorrow. I don't think they'd really want to bat tonight.

It might be to the South Africans' advantage if they can score some quick runs after tea and then get out with about half-an-hour to go. That would give them a bit more time to dismiss Australia and a chance tonight to have a real go at the openers.

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 Tim Stoney.

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