Ranchi, Oct 23 (PTI): The fourth ODI between India and Australia was today called off because of rains at the JSCA Stadium here.

Chasing 296, India were 27 for no loss in 4.1 overs in when heavens opened up for the second time during the match.

The match was stopped at 6.18 pm because of light drizzle which later intensified to frustrate both the teams.

There was some hope in the middle as the rain had stopped after one hour and the groundsmen and super soppers were pressed into action.

The mopping exercise by the groundsmen continued for more than one hour but the two onfield umpires took the call after inspecting the ground at 8.30pm.

The match was called off after the umpires found out that the ground was too water logged to continue the proceedings.

By virtue of the abandoned match, Australia continue to lead the seven-match series 2-1.

The fifth ODI between the two sides will be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Saturday.

India had begun their stiff chase on a positive manner with Shikhar Dhawan (14 not out) hitting three boundaries while Rohit Sharma (9 not out) struck one as India were going at 6.48 runs per over when the match was halted for the second time in the day.

Light drizzle had interrupted the game for about 30 minutes when Australia were 28 for two after 7.2 overs.

Earlier, Australia rode on a record 153-run partnership between George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell to recover from a jittery start and post a challenging 295 for eight.

Skipper Bailey (98) and Maxwell (92) missed their respective centuries but ensured that Australia recover from a difficult 71 for four to 224 for five through the team's highest partnership against India for the fifth wicket.

Brought in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami's fiery first spell (6-1-21-3) ripped apart the Australian top order after India put the visitors into bat.