Adelaide Test, Day 4, Tea
Monday, December 17, 2001

The thing to look at in that session is the freedom the Australian batsmen had in their scoring, compared to the inhibitions South Africa will face tomorrow.

Matthew Hayden batted beautifully, but the consequences of him getting out today trying something in that session are not great. With six or seven wickets in hand, and setting a target, you can afford to take some risks. But tomorrow the batsmen will worry about keeping wickets in hand, and that losing a wicket could trigger a collapse - so it's harder to bat with the same freedom.

South Africa just seem to be going through the motions with the ball. They weren't sure whether to go for saving runs or getting wickets - they have really backed off the pace and dropped their intensity.

A lot was expected of Claude Henderson after he got four wickets in the first innings, but he's hardly turned the ball at all. He's inexperienced, but he really hasn't come through today.

Hayden's hundred, and Martyn's in the first innings, were two of the best you'll see. They'll rank pretty highly for them in their careers. When the challenge was on, in a crunch Test, on a wicket that we've all been saying is difficult for batting - they really showed great skill.

They've been able to stay clear and focussed and put all distractions behind them. That's very pleasing, because they were the two the South Africans have been working on. They were jibbing that "We cost you your careers once, we can do it again," and then, first Test back, they have really stood up.

Gary Kirsten and Herschelle Gibbs are the key in the second innings. South Africa have to not lose wickets for long periods of time. If they can keep wickets in hand, then they have a chance of getting out of the match. They really need a big opening partnership, and if they are none-for at lunch tomorrow, things might be different.

There's been a lot of talk about Shane Warne on the last day, but for me Glenn McGrath is the key. He is the one who suits this pitch best. He hits a length and he's just quick anough to dart one into the pads and make the most of any inconsistent bounce.

Ian Healy made a record 395 dismissals in 119 Tests for Australia. His comments will be appearing on Wisden.com at the end of every session in the series. He was talking to Tim Stoney.

More Ian Healy

Day 4, Lunch: Bats blossom, bowlers battle

Day 3, Close: 'We could have a game on our hands here'

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