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

South Africa have fought their way back and, with still plenty of time left in the match, we could have a game on our hands here.

I said at tea that if Australia could bowl South Africa out right on stumps that would be the best-case scenario for them, so Steve Waugh will be well pleased with that result.

Waugh put the heavy roller on the pitch in the break, and we saw the ball keep low, so that'll be something to watch tomorrow, just what the new ball does early on. If there's a good hour or so before the pitch starts to play tricks that could have a big impact on the game.

But if the South Africans can bowl a good length, and straight, it will be very hard to score. There won't be too many in the slips, most of the fielders will be in front of the bat, so the batsmen will have to wait on the half-volley or hit across the line and over the top, which will be difficult with the variable bounce.

Neil McKenzie and Mark Boucher showed what you have to do to get runs here. It's been the batsmen who take the time to play themselves in and get the feel of the pitch who have made runs.

From hereon in it gets a little tighter - a 20-minute lapse in the field or a 50 or 60 with the bat might be what turns the game - not a big hundred by anyone.

I suspected that a medium-pacer who could could land it on the spot, as Damien Martyn did, might pick up a vital wicket or two here. He got McKenzie just when Australia needed it most. It's ironic that he went for 87, because McKenzie is the most superstitious player I've ever met. Before he goes out to bat he makes sure all the toilet seats in the changing-rooms are down, and while he's out in the middle he won't step on any lines. It's quite funny - but he tells me he's getting better.

Warnie was probably only warm today. He never spun the ball consistently, he was a little bit flat and fast. When he bowls like that he doesn't get much drift, but he would have learnt heaps from that today. He needs a good long rest tomorrow, because he'll have to do a lot of bowling on the final day.

There's still plenty of cricket left in this Test, and there could be a bit of feeling in it too after Brett Lee peppered the tailenders. He wants to be careful with that, I didn't really like the one where he followed Nantie Hayward. That sort of aggression can backfire on you, and while you're winning you don't want to irritate people too much.

I think Waugh will look for a lead of 250-plus. But the best thing for the game might be that Australia get bowled out with a lead of 150 to 200.

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.

More Ian Healy

Day 3, Tea: It's in the balance now

Day 3, Lunch: McGrath back in charge

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