Perth Test, Day 1, Tea
Friday, November 30, 2001

New Zealand played fantastic cricket in this session, and Vincent and Fleming have got their tempo exactly right. They've refused to give their wickets away cheaply, they are forcing Gillespie and Lee to bowl long spells, they are making Warne work hard for his wickets, and if they keep this up Glenn McGrath will have to come back into the attack in spite of his injury.

Vincent and Fleming are both natural shotmakers, which is ideal for this wicket. There wasn't a lot of sideways movement after the first 20 overs, so they've hit straight and hard down the ground. They've kept their crossbatted strokes to a minimum, let the ball go outside off, and when they've had a quiet spell or two they've rode them out, hit a couple of boundaries to ease the pressure, and all in all they've looked very relaxed out there.

What can you say about Vincent? He's making his debut, he's never opened the batting in first-class cricket, the conditions are all in the bowler's favour and yet he is well and truly on top. He's played Warne especially well - organised and on the ball at all times, and most importantly he's kept his feet on the move, so that even when he's beaten he can make that late adjustment. There have been five Kiwis who've got centuries on debut, so he wouldn't be quite unique, but it's a great effort nonetheless.

Of course, he grew up in Australia, so like Russell Crowe, we'll claim him as our own as soon as he's successful! But he does have one big advantage over the other young Kiwis, in that he knows the Australian psyche inside-out. He played for them at U19 level, so they are no mystery to him.

Stephen Fleming is looking composed at the other end. He's been a bit bogged down, especially in the 40s, but it hasn't worried him. As captain he knows the game will look after itself, so all he needs do is crack out a session of runs at a time.

The pair have perhaps not managed enough singles in this partnership. That said, the WACA is not the easiest ground for quick running - the ball comes off the bat so quickly that you either get four or nothing. But the pitch is a beautiful shade of yellow - one of the best I have ever seen. 400 is a par score on this wicket, and given a great session with no collapse, then 500 to 550 is a possibility. But it is so hard to get on top against these Aussies and then stay on top. New Zealand cannot afford to display that 15-minute weakness that sometimes catches teams out. A good wicket for the Kiwis will be an even better wicket for Australia, as that early moisture will be gone, and they managed 411 in a day at Brisbane.

But this next session will tell a story. Teams that make 280 against Australia, but lose five or six wickets are in no position of dominance. But 280 for 2 overnight, then all the pressure will be on Steve Waugh. After all, it is still 0-0, and a win is a must for Australia. Would they declare behind New Zealand, and try to force the game? We'll have to wait and see.

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 Andrew Miller.

More Ian Healy
Day 1, Lunch: Aussies drop the script

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd