Brisbane Test, Day 1, Close
Thursday, November 8, 2001

It's been a great comeback by New Zealand in this last session – and some pretty poor batting by the Australians. I'd say the balance was about 50-50 now.

Now is when psychology will come into play. Do New Zealand truly believe they are worthy of being in this position? If they do, and they can keep enjoying themselves like they did this afternoon, anything is possible.

If I were Stephen Fleming I'd want them out for no more than 350 – and Australia would be super-disappointed with that, especially after that opening stand. Adam Gilchrist is the key now. New Zealand have to get rid of him before he gets going. He's got the ability to marshal the tail, but without him they could collapse pretty quickly.

The difference this afternoon was that New Zealand finally bowled according to a plan. They kept it bottled up from one end. Fleming had almost all his fielders on the off side and really restricted Australia's runs. Then they just ran in and bowled it short and fast. And it worked.

Rather than blame the batsmen, I'd say it was all down to the Kiwis. They know Australia like to entertain and play their shots, and that they hate leaving the short-pitched balls. So they gave them the bait. Craig McMillan was the real surprise. Australia will not be happy that he got three wickets, but all credit to him – he did it well.

Justin Langer's innings had a little bit of everything – including a large slice of luck early on! We saw indecisive footwork at the start, then he started to relax and played some good shots. But then New Zealand bottled him up again – and that's why he got out. I guess it was a true Langer innings.

Ian Healy made a record 395 dismissals in 119 Tests for Australia. His comments are appearing on Wisden.com at the end of every session of the Brisbane Test. He was talking to Camilla Rossiter.

More Ian Healy
Tea: Hayden shellshocks New Zealand
Lunch: It's scary for New Zealand

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd