Sydney Test, Day 3, Lunch
Friday, January 4, 2002

It's a bit pointless talking about what South Africa can do and how they can survive, because I just don't think they can survive two-and-a-half days. Actually I'm not sure anyone could.

Australia have been beaten twice in the last 12 months by two batsmen playing the innings of their life - VVS Laxman in India and Mark Butcher in England. South Africa now need two or three batsmen to play the innings of their life.

The South Africans have to be decisive in their batting. Playing indecisively is the first thing that's going to get you out.

They also have to bat aggressively, but with soft hands. They'll have to pull themselves back a bit and make sure they are ready to hit the bad ball. That makes the Australian bowlers produce good deliveries, and puts a little bit more pressure back on the bowlers and the captain.

Neil McKenzie's dismissal suggests he's not reading Shane Warne at all well. For him to play back the way he did yesterday night and to play inside a top-spinner - it was quite outrageous. He's got a few mates out there too.

Warne, MacGill and McGrath have created such pressure - there's no let-up. I've never seen anyone survive, let alone get on top of, Warne and MacGill and McGrath bowling this well in these conditions ... and I don't think South Africa will.

Ian Healy made a record 395 dismissals in 119 Tests for Australia. His comments will be appearing exclusively on Wisden.com after each session in this series. He was talking to Tim Stoney.

More Ian Healy
Day 2, Close: McGrath back to his best
Day 2, Tea: Carnage!

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