India v Australia 4th ODI: Rain Halts Australia's Victory Charge After Maxwell and Shami Heroics

The fourth One Day International between India and Australia was abandoned with little more than half the match played, after heavy rain left the Ranchi ground completely waterlogged.

Australia, leading 2-1 in the series, appeared to hold the advantage before rain intervened, having scored 295 for 8 batting first.

The innings was propelled by a superb knock by Glenn Maxwell, who smashed 92 off 77 balls including five sixes and put on 153 for the fifth wicket with captain George Bailey.

Bailey's 98 off 94 balls was almost as impressive as Maxwell's masterpiece, and late runs from James Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson left India facing a daunting total.

The hosts' opening bowler Mohammed Shami added to his reputation with three wickets, but he received little support as the lack of pace and variety in India's attack was exposed.

Jaydev Unadkat posed little threat at the start of the Australian innings, while Vinay Kumar was erratic. Off-spinner Ravi Ashwin, so often the scourge of Australia on Indian soil, picked up two important wickets, but went at more than six an over during his spell.

In reply India got off a good start, with Shikhar Dhawan racing to a pugnacious 14 from 12 balls. But the umpires called a halt after just 4.1 overs, nowhere near enough time for a result.

Australia's batsmen will travel to the next ODI in Cuttack in good heart, while India's bowlers, and selectors, have plenty to ponder as they search for a greater cutting edge.