Headingley Test, Day 3, Close
Saturday, August 18, 2001

England haven't bowled well this afternoon. They can't get the ball on the right spot. Maybe it's because the players aren't in good form, but they have to aim for that line and length on a more consistent basis. The England bowlers really need to learn from Glenn McGrath and the way he bowled earlier. I'm sure they're trying, but it's just not happening for them at the moment.

Ricky Ponting looks in fantastic form. He's probably been in good form all summer - but this Test he's had that little bit of luck and has got past those first 15 or 20 minutes. It's one of those quirks of cricket that the same player who looked so good in the one-day series, and also in the county games, couldn't buy a run in the Tests until now. Mike Atherton really should have held that catch. I know it flew at him, but those chances simply have to be taken, especially with a class batsman like Ponting

I can't fault Nasser Hussain - his field placings have been good, but his bowlers just haven't come through for him. He'll probably have to think about defending a bit more tomorrow. It's unlikely that England could win the game from here, so their best chance is to restrict the Australian run-scoring and hope that brings them wickets.

It surprised me when Australia went off for the light. They've certainly played in worse conditions than this. To me, that suggests that they're backing themselves to get a positive result in the time remaining tomorrow and Monday.

Ian Healy made a record 395 dismissals in 119 Tests for Australia, and was on the winning side in the last six Ashes series. His comments will appear on Wisden.com at the end of every session for the rest of the series. He was talking to Camilla Rossiter

More Ian Healy
There'd be no follow-on - Lunch
Stewart and McGrath stand out - Tea

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