Australia v South Africa
VB Series, Match 6
Sunday, January 20, 2002

I don't think Australia will be totally relieved after that performance. It was a scratch and scrape win and it won't convince anyone that they're back to their old selves.

They're all over the shop with selection. OK, they won a game but they still have no idea of who's in or out of form. How are the two Waughs really doing? Nobody knows. The selection meeting tonight should be pretty interesting.

Andy Symonds bowled and fielded his way into Tuesday's side. He deserves to stay after that performance. So does Andy Bichel. But you can bet that if they hadn't come up with the goods the selectors would have dropped them for the next game.

South Africa played two back-to-back matches here, but I don't think that's a valid excuse for losing. Of course it's going to take its toll on them, but they have to be prepared for that. Players need to be able to field for 50 overs and then go out and bat for however long - and if you can't do that, you won't get very far.

South Africa looked very tense again today. They played like they were the ones with just four points rather than Australia. They got all tight and lost anyway. Maybe they should think about just going out and blazing away - try to lift that pressure.

Herschelle Gibbs was the critical wicket. He and Kirsten had a fantastic start, but then he tried forcing a shot and was out. That was just the trick Australia needed to get themselves back in the game.

Damien Martyn's century was brilliant. He's much better suited to batting at No. 4 than No. 6. Michael Bevan should go at No. 6 because he's the better finisher, and Martyn works so well with Ricky Ponting.

Martyn and Ponting, if they could have that innings again, would probably like to take more risks than they did towards the end. They need to trust the rest of the batting order more. But the positive for Australia is that they beat South Africa without Adam Gilchrist having to contribute with the bat.

So Australia will have learnt a heap from this match, but Steve Waugh won't be breathing easy just yet. Australia are still a bit scrambly.

Ian Healy, one of the game's greatest wicketkeepers, is now a commentator for Channel 9. He is giving his verdict on every match in the VB Series on Wisden.com. He was talking to Camilla Rossiter.

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