Rain halts Australia's revival on Day 4

An under pressure Australia stonewalled England's determined bid for a fourth Test victory before Melbourne's fickle weather intervened in a rain-affected day four on Friday (December 29).

Trailing by 164 runs in the first innings, Australia were 103-2 at stumps with 43 overs lost on day four at the MCG after play was stopped for good midway through the second session due to persistent rain. Australia's chances of a remote victory appear almost certainly dashed and they will have to battle hard on the final day to avoid a shock defeat.

Fuelling their hopes, Australia's key batsmen