Sydney Test, Day 2, Close
Thursday, January 3, 2002

The interesting thing in that session is that Glenn McGrath really seamed the ball. He lost that against New Zealand earlier this season.

McGrath has shown this pattern for a few years. Often a slow starter, he's going as strong as anyone by the end of the summer. He's just coming into form, and really getting the ball moving back into the right-handers. He only then has to straighten one and it's like a legcutter to the right-handers.

I was interested that Stuart MacGill got the ball before Shane Warne. I'd like to hear an explanation for that, other than the breeze. I can only think that Warne was going to replace McGrath at the other end earlier than he did. I think Warnie will be disappointed with that decision.

MacGill bowled pretty well, and that allowed Steve Waugh to relax - which might be another reason Warne came in a bit late. There might have been a plan to swing McGrath around if MacGill bowled a bit loose and then bring Warne up ... but that didn't happen because MacGill bowled so well.

There's not much left in the game now for South Africa, but there is plenty there for young Justin Ontong. He was impressive. He won't get a bigger challenge than that, and he got through it pretty well. I hope he doesn't leave that behind him tomorrow. He has a great opportunity. The reports are all that he was selected on the basis of race, but he can put that behind him and take this opportunity.

It might have been a controversial selection but he's not there because he's got no ability. You don't get a game for South Africa if you can't play. Nothing much is expected of him - he can do what he likes tomorrow.

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 2, Tea: Carnage!
Day 2, Lunch: Warnie: Can bowl, can bat

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