Michael Gorey

Congratulations to South Africa on fighting to survive the First Test against Australia in Perth.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Australia’s decision not to declare earlier in the second innings helped South Africa to save the match.

I deliberately say it was "Australia’s decision" because fast bowler Glen McGrath confirmed as much when he told the media:

"Every guy in the team wanted Hodgy to go on and get that double hundred," McGrath told AAP. "Ricky did float it around the boys, so it wasn’t a decision he made by himself, all the guys were happy.

"We’ve generally bowled teams out in under a day, so nobody had any problems with it at all. I’d back us nine times out of 10 to knock a team over in that time."

These comments reflect my view of the weakness in Ponting’s captaincy. He’s a consensus leader in a sport that needs unequivocal decision making.

Allan Border and Steve Waugh would have made their own decisions on a declaration without relying on others. So would Mark Taylor, although all his teammates would have believed they had a say!

Ponting needs to take charge and follow his instincts.

I also felt his bowling changes in the second innings were unimaginative. Warne bowled too many overs, Symonds too few and there wasn’t enough variation.

I seriously think Warne would be a better captain at this stage.

These articles might be of interest:

• Players snub Allan Border
• Did the sun rise?
• Australian ODI team