Melbourne Test, day 2, lunch
Thursday, December 27, 2001

It would have been really good for South Africa if they had lifted just a cog in that long session. They could have looked for singles rather than just being defensive, for a start.

Jacques Kallis got himself into a bit of a hole with the short ball. He ended up going to an ordinary decision, a very ordinary decision, but he really didn't decide how he wanted to play the short ones. He was riding up with them early on, getting his gloves in the way, and he popped a couple up.

The over before he went, Glenn McGrath bowled him six bouncers from round the wicket. I think he ducked under all of them - he was just starting to get organised when Andy Bichel got one through him.

It looked like a bad decision, but the luck has been pretty even so far this series. The difference between these two teams, and what Australia are so good at, is making sides pay for the breaks they get.

Yesterday Gary Kirsten was out plumb lbw, then he got out for 10 - he didn't go on with it. Today Australia got a lucky one with Kallis, then they get Lance Klusener next ball. They have a way of making the most of a break, which most other sides don't do.

Australia have dropped three catches in this match, but you forget about them. No-one really cares, or hangs their head, they just look to the next one - they use their luck so well.

The bowling hasn't looked anything special. McGrath is back to his best and Bichel was honest today, but it's a very good batting wicket.

Shane Warne has been pretty defensive, as you'd expect on this wicket. The South Africans have missed a chance to really get at him early and unsettle him while he's vulnerable. I'd like to see him throw the ball up a bit more after lunch and bring the batsmen down the wicket. He's been too fast and too flat for me.

Neil McKenzie has been great again. I like the whole top order. They just have to get their starts and go on and enjoy it. McKenzie has batted well but he can get a bit drifty and dopey, he needs a partner to keep him honest - and they need runs from him to have any chance of winning.

South Africa look like they've missed a chance to set a big target. If Australia can bowl them out for anything under 250 they're going to have a long match.

Ian Healy made a record 395 dismissals in 119 Tests for Australia. His comments will be appearing exclusively on Wisden.com after each session in this series. He was talking to Tim Stoney.

More Ian Healy
Day 1, Close: SA must get on with it
Day 1, Lunch: Too short, too wide

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