Rain stopped play early on the last day of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the MCG.

Only two balls were bowled before the players left the field.

Indian captain MS Dhoni appeared to debate the point with the umpires before his players followed the Australian batsmen into the changerooms.

Australia are on their overnight score of 7-261, a lead of 326.

Shaun Marsh is 62 and Ryan Harris is eight not out.

Play started a half hour early because of a rain break on day four.

The weather radar showed this delay should not last long.

The forecast was a medium chance of a shower in the morning and late afternoon.

Conditions are windy and cool.

The enforced break further complicates Australia’s tactics for the final day.

They will want to set India a tough target, but not put the game so far out of their reach that the tourists put up the shutters.

Australia will also be wary of the powerful Indian batting lineup.