Brisbane Test, Day 2, Tea
Friday, November 9, 2001

It's really scary for New Zealand again! Conditions are now so against them. Australia have already got enough runs in my opinion – they can just slog now.

The forecast for the weekend isn't too good, and I don't know if Steve Waugh's taken that into account. He could just bat on, make 600 and aim to bowl them out twice. But if he's aware of the weather he may declare and move the game on by going at them really hard tonight.

New Zealand were a little obvious in wanting to come off the field. Fair enough, if things aren't going your way, but you should at least act as if you want to stay on. New Zealand were trying to influence the umpires over the ball – but they stood firm.

It goes back to what I was saying about psychology. That whole episode sent a signal to Australia. Seeing the opposition so down will give them a real boost, especially the bowlers sitting with their feet up. They'll be watching and thinking "hey, we've got these blokes."

When a side are so dominant, they always have a clear plan. Steve Waugh will want two or three wickets tonight, and then aim to knock the rest over tomorrow. Australia will break it down into little targets. But New Zealand will be all over the place – they already know they face a real scrap even to get a draw out of this game.

I think New Zealand had such a good comeback yesterday that they almost thought they had the Test won. Look at the way they bowled to Brett Lee. They should have made him work hard for his runs. Instead they fed him width outside the off stump, which you just can't do. It was a great little knock from Lee. He went for his shots from the start and it was really entertaining stuff to watch.

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 2, Lunch: Wait for the fireworks
Day 1, Close: Now the mind games begin

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