Australia vs Sri Lanka, 4th ODI at Sydney, , Jan 20 2013 - Ball by Ball Commentary

9.00 Very unexpected news from the SCG, the game has been called off. Loud boos from an enthusiastic SCG crowd as they hear the news over the PA system. There's been no rain for 45 minutes, and it didn't rain for very long and it wasn't very heavy either. So I'm quite surprised by this decision.

Michael Clarke: "As you can hear the crowd is very disappointed, it was nice of them to stick around. Having said that we wanted to play .. have a crack at winning the game ... we have to take the umpires' judgement ... it was completely up to the umpires. We thought there was going to be enough in the wicket ..."

The Sri Lankans go to the section of the SCG filled with their supporters and give them a wave.

"Due to the poor condition of the outfield the match has been abandoned," says the message on the large screen at the SCG. Why didn't they cover more of the SCG then?

Devalochana: "This is amazing... Back here in SL we have heaps of rain and still have games played since we cover the entire grounds. Shocking to see that Australian grounds are like this..!"

Rob Noah: "Dont quite remember this happening in.. well, since I've been watching cricket. I simply imagine there are massive puddles and potholes my eyes cannot detect."

Micka: "Marius Erasmus and Paul Reiffel are not popular in Australia at the moment. Not only did they give Warner and Henriques out LBW when they hit the ball, they have called off the game 45 minutes after rain stopped falling because the outfield was slightly damp. Maybe the umpires should have thought about the fans who were waiting for over 2 hours for play to resume before they decided to make another bad decision. No wonder ODIs are on the way out...."

Well that's all we have for you today. Sri Lanka lead the series 2-1 and can't lose it now as the teams head to Hobart for the final ODI. An unexpected and rather inexplicable end today, ruined what could have been an absorbing chase.

Thank you for all your emails and thank you for your patience. Do join us on January 23 for the fifth and deciding ODI. Cheers.

8.30 pm The stumps have been put back in at the SCG. However, the umpires have inspected the conditions and word is they haven't decided on a resumption time yet. They want to let the ground dry out some more.

8.10 pm Looks like the crowd is dancing to the YMCA ... and it looks like the umpires are going to inspect the edges of the square for dampness in about ten minutes. They are taking a rope across the outfield and the super sopper is at work too, to take the surface water off.

Chris: "Have the crowd done the YMCA song yet? Well done on the beer snake...and cant we just give SL the win - they were 4-0 after 2 overs and Oz were 4-1...match sorted..."

The covers are coming off too, so not too far from a re-start.

8.00 pm The rain has stopped at the SCG and the groundstaff are having a look at the damage it's caused.

"The SCG crowd has apparently broken the record for the longest beer-cup snake. It went the length of the Victor Trumper Stand," says our correspondent Dan Brettig, who is at the venue.

Gareth: "Australia's chances droop with every over that's lost. They'll need to remove the openers almost immediately."

The umpires are out there speaking to Tom Parker, the SCG curator. The square is still covered.

7.30 pm No improvement in the weather at the SCG. Still drizzling.

7.15 pm Still drizzling at the SCG. And Caron writes in with not-so-good news: "@vignesh- i live about 3km from the SCG and its pouring cats and dogs over here ... doesn't look like its gonna stop anytime soon."

6.55 pm Mahela backs away as the bowler approaches the crease. I think he's saying the drizzle is impairing his vision, I can't be sure though. And they are going off. It's got a bit heavier. The groundstaff bring on the covers.

vignesh: "It should be a passing shower. I'm staying 15kms north of the stadium and it is quite clear here. I don't think D/L would be a case today"

It's still drizzling at the SCG. Mahela's having a word with the umpire about it. The umpires decide to continue playing.

There's a drizzle at the SCG.

Here's Starc, from over the wicket. Two slips in place.

Gareth: "Expect Starc to bowl with venom. He'll be pumped after that innings!"

Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan are opening Sri Lanka's chase. Clint McKay with the new ball from over the wicket.