Australia have got to be favourites to win this Test match, and if they do, they will have to thank Shane Warne. This is a perfect batting strip and not many sides could have bowled South Africa out on that surface, so Warne's marathon effort of 6 for 161 off 70 overs (plus two needless run outs) ensured that Australia have plenty of time to score 331 to win. They were certainly not intimidated by the total as Langer and Hayden put the South African bowling to the sword in the evening session.

Warne's success does not augur well for the South African seam attack, and the Aussie pacemen were not really in the game either. But the Australians have a lot more discipline, and it is strange that South Africa continue to over-compensate when they bowl a bad ball. I believe one-day cricket has reduced the skill factor considerably. A lot of young bowlers today are brought up to change their line and length with every delivery, and they are unable to hit the same spot twice.

You also have to hand it to the Aussie batsmen. South Africa can only bowl as well as they are allowed to, and with Langer and Hayden in such devastating form, you have to feel sorry for Dewald Pretorius, who has probably hit the fastest learning curve of his short career.

South Africa's hopes lie with Paul Adams. The Aussies will want to take the attack to him and unsettle him, and Boucher's field settings will be vital if they are not to succeed.

I would like South Africa to win tomorrow, but the combination of Warne and Australia's batting would suggest that it is just a dream. Then again, if you dream hard enough, anything is possible.

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

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