This looks a typical good Johannesburg pitch, slower on the first day so when the ball is short it sits up to be hit. All the batsmen have found it comfortable to bat on, and the good-length ball is easy-paced, carrying low through to Mark Boucher. The Wanderers track can be very benign, and there have been some absolute beauties to bat on over the years. The Australians are making it look as though this is one of those, even though there is plenty of grass on it - Isuspect the hope was that that would nullify Shane Warne's turn.

South Africa's bowling has not been as good as it can be and dropping Matthew Hayden did not help. Hayden's wonderful run of form has continued and his dominance of the South African bowling has been nothing short of amazing. The last time he toured South Africa I remember Pat Symcox telling him, "Can you hear the Qantas engines, they are warming up to take you home." Hayden had just been left out of the one-day team, after a poor Test series. The transition has been fantastic, and Hayden himself must take a lot of credit as I know how hard he worked on his technique while he was in England with Northamptonshire.

Allan Donald's late injury confirmed my worst fears for him. I just do not think he should be playing Test cricket any more. Remember that he was forced back into the longer game. He had actually retired from the Test arena after the West Indies series in 2000-01. Allan is a finely tuned machine, and unfortunately the parts are in need of replacement. I have long considered myself a close friend of his, and it saddens me to see him break down again.

South Africa have to blood and breed new talent to open the bowling, and the selectors will have to scour the country for someone with pace and accuracy. The natural replacement would be Mfuneko Ngam, except that at the moment he is more injury-prone than Donald. But he is still young, and there are still hopes that they can get him fit for the future.

The second new ball held a few messages when the odd one seamed and swung, which will not have escaped the notice of McGrath, Gillespie and Lee. Donald leaving the scene has cast a massive shadow psychologically over any sort of recovery by South Africa, and inside information tells me that the negativity has returned to the SA camp after their fine comeback in the one-day series, which will not help them.

While it is too early to forecast who wins and loses, I can see the score in the double Test series going to 4-0. I hate to say that, but the Australians just seem to be so much tougher. Without Pollock or Donald, it will take a massive effort by South Africa to turn things around.

Bob Woolmer, South Africa's coach from 1994 to 1999, will be writing the Wisden Verdict throughout the series.

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