Rain washes out second consecutive day

West Indies 7 for 248 (Ramdin 30*, Roach 0*) v Australia
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

For the first time in more than 25 years, two consecutive Test days were washed out in Australia without a ball being bowled, as heavy rain continued in Sydney on Wednesday. Only 68 balls had been bowled on the second day before days three and four were completely abandoned, leading Cricket Australia to declare free entry for day five, in addition to refunds for tickets on the second, third and fourth days.

The forecast for the fifth day is for a possible shower, although only two millimetres of rain were expected by the Bureau of Meteorology, which would likely mean play was possible if the outfield was in a fit enough state. Australia will lift the Frank Worrell Trophy at the end of day five regardless of what happens on the field, having earned a 2-0 lead from their wins in Hobart and Melbourne.

Only 86.2 overs had been bowled in the entire match by the end of day four, with West Indies still 7 for 248 in their first innings. Last time two straight days were washed out in Australia was also in Sydney, against Pakistan in 1989-90. The first two days of that Test were rained out without a ball being bowled, which led to a sixth day being added, though further rain throughout the Test meant a draw was inevitable.