Sydney Test, Day 1, Close
Wednesday, January 2, 2002

A big comeback from South Africa there. It was probably a combination of Australia being a bit sleepy, and South Africa bowling better.

Boje was good. He got himself into his spell, kept it tight and picked up a wicket. That allowed Pollock to try things from the other end - but he probably overbowled Kallis and underbowled Claude Henderson.

Henderson won't be happy with that, he'll have wanted more of the ball, but with so many options someone always misses out.

They bowled better with the new ball - got it on a length, and started to get it moving around and shooting through a bit quicker.

South Africa have fought back well, but the pressure was really on this morning. That's when the game had to be taken. They played with more freedom this afternoon when they relaxed but what that shows is South Africa haven't been good under pressure. I think that's the story of the series. When the game's been there to win they haven't been up to it.

I think 308 is more than enough. The pitch probably won't spin any more tomorrow that it did today, but Warne and MacGill will get much more turn than the South African spinners did.

South Africa have to make runs in their first innings, otherwise they won't come close. They can't afford to leave themselves any more than 150 to get in the second innings.

They have to pounce tomorrow. They've had a good session against Australia, but that's happened with other teams - they think they've bounced back and then they get clobbered.

South Africa just have to get those last five wickets as soon as possible, then try to make their runs in the first innings.

Australia will also want to do the bulk of their batting in this innings. If they get over 400 I think it will pretty much be all over.

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, Tea: An awesome display
Day 1, Lunch: 'I thought they'd be better'

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