Australia v New Zealand, VB Series, Match 1
Friday, January 11, 2002

Australia let this match get away from them in New Zealand's innings. They had them 7 for 97 and to let them get almost 200 from there was a real lapse. Then when Australia batted, everyone trusted the next bloke to do their job and that didn't happen today. New Zealand just played very, very well and Australia were drifty.

Australia were aggressive and attacking at the top of the order, and even after losing a few wickets they still thought they could win. I don't mind Ricky Ponting going for his shots - he's got to back himself with the form he's in - but some of the others were pretty loose.

I don't think there was any mega turning-point in the game. The Steve Waugh run-out started the final slide, but neither Waugh nor Damien Martyn had looked happy out there. They didn't look any great shakes of getting to the target even without a run-out.

Tonight was the perfect scenario for Chris Harris. He's always going to tempt you into having a slog at him. He's such an accurate bowler and doesn't overpitch or bowl it short. That's what makes him so hard to get away. His batting here was brilliant, just fantastic. Now if he could just get his running between the wickets sorted out, he'd be laughing!

Straight away we've seen the bonus point bring on some great entertainment. The Australian top order were so far ahead it wasn't funny and obviously made the decision to go for a big win and grab that bonus point. Then it was all whipped away from them. Maybe they took their eyes off the ball.

But Australia have developed a great habit in the last five years of losing when they can most afford it. I think the most disappointed team tonight will be South Africa, because they'll face the Australian backlash on Sunday. Also they know they're in a real three-way contest here.

Ian Healy, one of the game's greatest wicketkeepers, is a commentator for Channel 9. He will be giving his verdict on each match in the VB series. He was talking to Camilla Rossiter.

More Ian Healy
Pack mentality beat SA
Aussies breathe easy

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