Normal service was resumed at Durban today. We had 292 runs at just over three an over, and it was all positively pedestrian by the standards of the first two days. It is hard to fathom that there are two days to go but only 71 runs and six wickets needed. You have got to back South Africa to take this one, yet we all know that this game probably has not yet served up the dessert. If it is as good as the hors d'ouevres and the main course it will be worth waiting for.

Herschelle Gibbs provided today's feast. During these two series I have felt that he did not quite believe he could score big runs against Australia. It is funny how the mind works in and around this game, because he is truly a gifted batsman and along with Gary Kirsten has formed a formidable opening partnership.

Australia have targeted them and therefore South Africa have become vulnerable. But when they bat as they did today it is very different. It is no coincidence that this pair have started to bat well together in the last two matches, and suddenly the Australians have looked a little below their very best.

The stump mic was turned up very loud and it made for some fascinating listening. I was struck by the incessant noise these Australians make. Not just sledging as Lillee and Thomson used to, but continual shouting before and after every ball. It's enough to make you think they were taking a wicket every ball.

Having learnt my cricket in the late 1960's, and been taught by my schoolmaster only to appeal only when you think it is out, and to remain silent to allow the batsman to maintain his concentration, I shudder to think what punishment he would serve on the current cricketers. Quite frankly I am not sure which I prefer. I suspect it is a case of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em".

Geoffrey Boycott's pet phrase at every England team dinner and team talk was: "Don't forget to add two wickets on when you are at the crease, it will remind you how important your wicket is". At 214 for 1 South Africa were cruising and then suddenly it was 230 for 4 and the game had changed completely. Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince did well to survive at the end. They will need to remind themselves that 71 runs is still a long way away, but that they have oceans of time.

The Aussies too won't be giving up and although they know that the chips are down, they are also well aware that they can win from this position.

Despite Australia's dominance of the series, it is really nice to see the game being fought as it is now. This will make the South Africans a tougher side and, if they win, a more confident side one too. There are some good players coming through, and they have been taught a salutary lesson by some seasoned pros.

Australia also have to start looking to the future, and there will be a small transitional phase when the Waughs are replaced. That is the beauty of the game: the menu changes from day to day. Tomorrow's menu is short but it is going to be worth waiting for.

Bob Woolmer, South Africa's coach between 1994 and 1999, will be giving his verdict on each day's play.

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