Farcial end in Sydney

The fourth ODI between Australia and Sri Lanka has been abandoned due to a wet outfield, despite no rain falling for approximately 45 minutes. Sri Lanka's chase of 222, was halted at 14/0 after 3.2 overs, with slight but constant rain being present. The rain never really got that heavy, and after an hour and a bit, it had stopped, and the Australian players took the field to warm up. The outfield was damp, but there was certainly no puddles and conditions were not horrible. With nor rain for 45 minutes, it seemed certain that there would be a continuation of the game (perhaps in a 20-25 over game). However at 9:00pm local time play was abandoned.

For the great crowd of 22,521, this was obviously a major disappointment with a chorus of boos ringing around the Sydney Cricket Ground. ODI cricket needs all the support it can get, and an abandonment due to a slightly damp outfield, in spite of fine overhead conditions is certainly not going to help its cause.

Meanwhile in the actual cricket Australia again batted first and struggled, although this time managed to claw to 222/9. Warner made 60 before being wrongly given out lbw (he smashed the cover of it) by Marais Erasmus, with no referrals left. Mitchell Starc accelerated the innings at the end making his first half century in ODI's.

There would have been a great chase in store if play continued, but the abandonment means Sri Lanka cannot lose the series going into the final game. Australia need to win the 5th ODI at Hobart on Wednesday to draw the series 2-2, as otherwise Sri Lanka will become the first team ever to beat Australia in Australia in 2 ODI series'.

Scorecard - http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-sri-lanka-2012/engine/current/match/573017.html