Light drizzle now
Might need a new radar, here. It's showing no rain but there's drizzle that's keeping the hessian on the pitch and preventing the start of play.
Play to start at 11am
By Tom Decent
A further update, and a bit of encouragement, from Tom Decent at the SCG:
If there is no further rain here, play will start at 11am.
Advertisement
Good news from the SCG
By Tom Decent
Excellent news from our man Tom Decent at the SCG:
The covers are coming off and the few fans at the ground have given a big cheer.
The umpires are out in the middle having a chat and for the moment the rain has gone away. There has always been excellent drainage at the SCG, so the outfield won't be a problem.
I'm tipping we'll be on shortly.
Big covers on
Not a sight the India side would be wanting as they hunt 14 wickets to claim this series in style.
The sky is leaking
Oh for a dose of Aakash Chopra's pep as he waits for India's historic celebrations (win or draw, the only options, in this Test). Light rain is falling on the covers now at the SCG and a dull mist over Sydney as a whole. Some appropriate gloom, perhaps, for the Aussie side's fate.
India's men v Aussie boys
Australia will eventually resume their first innings at 6-236, trailing India by 386 runs. While you wait, I highly recommend having a peep at this morning's offering from Malcolm Knox, the finest wordsmith in cricket, as he dumbs down his analysis for the 'hard-trying' Aussies to digest:
By Malcolm Knox
In keeping with Cricket Australias achievement of booming participation in modified junior formats, it might be appropriate for a modified junior format report of day three of the Sydney Test match.
Usman tried very hard, but got out.
Marcus and Marnus batted extremely well and hit some beautiful drives. Marcus showed why the bigger boys expect so much of him and played positively on both sides of the wicket. This really looked like it was his day. Then he got out.
Marnus nearly had to call on the Cant get out first ball rule, but then played some lovely shots with his big brothers dirty old bat. Then he got out.
Shaun got out.
After this mini-collapse, Travis and Peter dug themselves in, showing determination well beyond their years.
The Indian men set up their field with catchers in a close ring waiting for the popped-up catch on front of square leg, but Travis and Peter stood tall and hit the ball down.
Then Travis got out.
Captain Tim got us through until tea, but then got out. He is getting tired from all the unaccustomed speeches, coin tosses, etc. Plus he had to perform 1009 squats through Thursday and Friday while the men had their turn batting.
On the concrete pitch, our boys never really looked under pressure, but somehow managed to get themselves out. Cricket can be a disappointing game sometimes. But these boys usually play a type of cricket where they are not allowed to bat for more than two hours, so credit to Marcus and Marnus in particular who went beyond their normal allotment. Peter also stuck it out. One day these boys will make a hundred!
Advertisement
Start of play delayed
This could be a frustrating day for both sides and fans. Some poor light, despite there being lights and the capability for day/night games, is keeping us from kicking off on time. The Indians couldn't look more laid back if they tried as they go through final warm-ups. Conditions are improving though, for now, with nothing too nasty on the radar at this stage so there will be some action.
Aussies under pressure
By Andrew Wu
Shaun Marsh is fighting for his Test career once again after Australia's batsmen failed once more on a batsman's paradise to leave India in the box seat for a thumping win in Sydney.
Australia's struggling top six have just one more chance to show why they should remain in selectors' plans for the Ashes after a string of batsmen posted mediocre scores on a pitch Ricky Ponting described as "green concrete".
Rain appears Australia's only salvation over the next two days as India close in on their first series victory on these shores.
The home side started promisingly with a 72-run opening stand only to fall away to be 6/236 in reply to India's epic first innings of 7/622 (dec.) when play was called off about half an hour before scheduled stumps due to rain. Peter Handscomb and Pat Cummins have a huge rescue mission to carry out on Sunday.
Shaun Marsh trudges off the SCG after being dismissed cheaply.Credit:AAP
Early bird catches the…
Good morning folks, welcome to day four of the fourth Test at the SCG. After a dramatic day yesterday which saw Australia lose six wickets, proceedings scheduled to kick off 30 minutes early today at 10am. Ground staff are making the final preparations following heavy rain last night and are yet to get the roller on, but all looks a picture under overcast skies. We'll have all the updates you need right here as Pat Cummins and Peter Handscomb get their eye in.
Most Viewed in Sport
[contf] [contfnew] 
Australian Breaking News Headlines
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
