Warne's unrequited love for Adelaide

Shane Warne's bowling beauty has never seduced Adelaide. Perhaps he is in aesthetic conflict with the wonderful surrounds that have allowed him only one five-wicket haul. After watching Daniel Vettori and Paul Wiseman take Australia's eight first-innings wickets, Warne's only victim came with the No. 9, James Franklin.

The oval's custom is that Australia's fast men use Warne, who barely leaked two runs an over, as their crutch. It is a strange way to treat the game's most successful bowler. No amount of twirling, performing or preening could raise David Shepherd's finger until Franklin played back without offering a shot. Warne thus became the first bowler to reach 550 wickets, but significant milestones - his first victim, Dennis Lillee's mark, the world record - have often held him up.

Highlights of his missed chances threatened to run into the ad-break. Nathan Astle was the most fortunate, surviving an edge to Matthew Hayden that was held between thumb and forefinger until his elbow met the ground, and an lbw shout when playing half-forward that hit low-down. Adam Gilchrist had accepted similar early reprieves from Daniel Vettori in both Tests and like Astle, he also benefited to make a half-century.

Prior to the series, Warne teased Stephen Fleming that he couldn't read his repertoire and was bound to trouble him. However, Fleming remained composed despite near-misses from Ricky Ponting, whose dive landed half a hand short, and a loud lbw appeal when his pad was just outside the line. Remaining unruffled, Fleming stayed for an impressive half-century that briefly gave his side hope. His team has slid since their 0-0 draw here in 2001-02, but Fleming's batting improvement is noticeable. He was set for a century until Glenn McGrath brushed his bat's edge.

Matching Vettori's five wicket haul would have been too generous, but Warne deserved a couple of top-order scalps to brighten his mood - he was, after all, denied the wicket of Mark Richardson last night, after an athletic catch by Darren Lehmann was adjudged not out. As Australia walked off to bat for a second time, McGrath, Australia's most successful bowler but the fourth used today, waited for Warne at the edge of the field to praise him.

A lead of 324 and weather reports predicting rain on Tuesday did not influence Australia. The follow-on was not enforced and the tactic may not be revived until Ricky Ponting abdicates. While the decision was bad news for those hoping for a fifth-day wine excursion, it was welcomed by Australia's attack and envied by their opponents. New Zealand have bowled each day in exhausting heat and must will their frayed spirits to hold together in pursuit of an unlikely draw.