Brisbane Test, Day 1, Lunch
Friday, November 9, 2001

Adam Gilchrist has done a great job today – it's been different, but good. It's like he's training himself to get back into Test match mode. He's been keen to play more responsible innings in the one-day game, where lately he's tended to be a bit disappointing and self-destruct by going at it too early. This morning has shown how controlled he can be. You're just waiting for him to explode! He'll do it at some stage – but he can rely on Brett Lee for now.

Lee has been wonderful to watch. It's a win-win situation for him out there. He's free to play his shots – and if he gets out, then so be it. So that relaxes him, as well as putting the Kiwis under pressure.

The rain only helped Australia. Bowlers get frustrated, especially when you've got attacking batsmen like these two there and the ball keeps going to the boundary and getting wetter and wetter. Then any help that may have been in the pitch will be lost.

I think Stephen Fleming has done pretty well. His field placings have been mainly off side dominant, which is a sign he's more confident in his bowlers' line and length than he was yesterday. He kept the two men back for the short ball, and was happy to try a few things. New Zealand already look like they're learning and improving.

Again, Chris Cairns has been the main aggressor. He's always looking to take wickets, which is why he'll go for runs. He hasn't always put the ball in the right spot often enough – but he's been willing.

Australia will be aiming for anything over 400 now. No real time has been lost from the game, so I think they'll bat sensibly, put the bad ball away, and then we'll see some fireworks later.

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
Day 1, Close: Now the mind games begin
Day 1, Tea: Hayden shellshocks New Zealand

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