Play abandoned on day 4 of 3rd test at SCG

SYDNEY (AP) Persistent rain washed out day four of the third test between Australia and West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground, almost certainly ensuring the match will end in a draw.

Play was abandoned at 1300 local time (0200 GMT) as the West Indies remained on 248-7 in its first innings.

No play has been possible since the evening session on day two due to inclement weather.

It was only the fifth occasion in over a century of test cricket in Australia where play has been abandoned for two consecutive days due to rain: 1931-32 vs South Africa at the Gabba; 1947-1948 vs India at the SCG; 1954-1945 vs England at the SCG and 1989-1990 vs Pakistan at the SCG.

Further rain is forecast for day five Thursday, sometime in which the game will inevitably end in a draw.