Hobart Test, Day 4, Close
Sunday, November 25, 2001

Well, the rain's finally stopped, but there's no prospect of any more play tonight. I don't know what's happened to Australian weather this summer – I blame El Nino! Tasmania has had a really bad couple of months: it's had a year's rainfall this month alone, and Hobart has gone from being one of the driest capitals in Australia to probably the wettest. The covers have taken a bit of a battering today – for some reason Australia doesn't go in for the roll-on type that allows air to circulate on the pitch, they just have the standard hessian across the pitch, then canvas on top. That might need to be looked at.

There wasn't much play after lunch, but Stephen Fleming finally came out of his shell. He'd struggled to 50, but he raced along to 71 in no time – his timing and shot-selection were excellent. I'd like to see him make a century. He's been a good player and a good captain for New Zealand, and it could be a turning point for his career if he gets a hundred against Australia.

All this rain has pretty much scuppered any chance of a result now, though Australia will still be pushing hard tomorrow. It should just be batting practice for the Kiwis, but if they collapse early and have to follow on then anything's possible. The weather forecast isn't great, though. The weathermen have been spot-on with their predictions so far, which isn't always the case down here, as it's a small island and weather fronts tend to come and go quickly.

One thing that will be preying on Australia's mind is the ICC World Championship. Another draw here, against a side they should beat, and they'll be in danger of losing precious points, especially as South Africa have beaten India. Steve Waugh will be aware of this, as he was at Brisbane, but the crucial factor is the follow-on. If New Zealand can pass that, then two declarations and an engineered finish are fair enough. What can't be done, and I hope the thought hasn't crossed anyone's minds, is an overnight declaration and an innings forfeit, as they sometimes do in county matches in England. Rain is an occupational hazard in Test cricket, and sometimes you just have to accept the weather has won.

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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