Brisbane Test, Day 5, Tea
Monday, November 12, 2001

This is really exciting and attractive cricket. I don't think we'd have gone for these types of declarations, even in my time, but it's great to see. What I like is that New Zealand had already saved the follow-on, so there was no collusion between the captains to make a pretend game of it. The Kiwis got themselves out of a tricky situation fair and square. So all credit to Stephen Fleming and Steve Waugh – it's good for cricket in general, and it's giving some great entertainment to this crowd on the last day.

I'm not sure why Glenn McGrath didn't get the new ball. Maybe it was to give him a jolt, or just to give him a break as he's been a little below par this match and too inconsistent in his action. But Steve Waugh might have wanted to surprise the Kiwis. They'd have been expected McGrath to open, and suddenly they have these rockets coming at them with Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie at either end. So it could have been a tactic to shock New Zealand.

Lee and Gillespie bowled OK – nothing too flash. I thought they were both a little bit down compared to the first innings. Their pace and control wasn't so good. The no-balls are a problem. In a way, I'm glad to see Australia get hurt by having Mark Richardson out off a no-ball because it might make them do something about it.

Richardson is playing really well. He's in the right frame of mind – he's having fun, keeping things simple, and he knows it's not the end of the world if he gets out. That sort of approach lets him play his natural game. He's impressed me.

If I were Fleming I'd send Chris Cairns in next. He's the ideal player for this situation and New Zealand want him at the wicket as soon as they can. Now the shine is off the new ball he could be devastating.

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 Camilla Rossiter.

More Ian Healy
Day 5, Lunch: Surprise, surprise
Day 4, Tea: A battle in Brisbane

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