Brisbane Test, Day 2, Close
Friday, November 9, 2001

I've enjoyed today's play, despite the rain. I guess it's set up for a draw now. Steve Waugh will probably want to bat on tomorrow and let Adam Gilchrist get his hundred. If I were him, I'd then bat for another half hour or so, and really let Gilchrist and Brett Lee go on the attack.

Australia can win this Test – if the weather is on their side. But the forecast is for more of the same. It's not very breezy, so the rain is sitting in. It'll be a great challenge for the Kiwis to see if they can battle it out for a draw. If they don't, then the series is gone! But I think they could do it, if they can come up with one or two really good innings.

I'm looking forward to seeing them bat on this pitch. The top three will look to take the shine off the ball and blunt the Australian attack. I haven't actually seen any of them play but I hear they're pretty limited players and they don't have a great record against Australia. But the middle order can all play their shots. Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Stephen Fleming, Chris Cairns and Adam Parore – they're New Zealand's strength. If they can have some fun out there on what is a very good batting pitch, they could make it hard for Australia.

There really aren't any demons in the pitch. I think the wicket might have spun if it had had sun on it for these two days, and then Shane Warne and Daniel Vettori would have come into play. But as it is, it's made for batting. And Glenn McGrath will be looking forward to getting stuck into the Kiwis.

Ian Healy made a record 395 dismissals in 119 Tests for Australia. His comments are appearing on Wisden.com at the end of every session of the Brisbane Test. He was talking to Camilla Rossiter.

More Ian Healy
Day 2, Tea: They've got them where they want them
Day 2, Lunch: Wait for the fireworks

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd