Sydney's Australia Day party proves a washout

India head to Perth with destiny in their own hands after the Carlton Mid ODI Tri-Series match against Australia in Sydney was washed out.

The match was officially abandoned shortly after 8pm AEDT with just 16 overs of play possible. 

The result handed both teams two competition points to leave Friday’s England-India clash at the WACA Ground a winner-takes-all affair to meet Australia in the final on Sunday.

Despite the gloomy forecast a healthy crowd of more than 20,000 braved the grim weather, with the India supporters doing their best to create a carnival atmosphere, cheering everything from dot balls to the four boundaries and a six their heroes hit during the 16 overs of play possible.

Persistent drizzle delayed the start of play by 40 minutes, and with the looming threat of more rain to follow, George Bailey elected to field when the coin fell his way.

But only 16 deliveries into India’s innings the misty haze returned to force the players from the field and the covers to be rolled out.

Almost an hour passed before the players resumed battle, and 15 minutes later Shikhar Dhawan was caught at first slip, out for eight to Mitchell Starc's bowling to extend his poor run of form.

Ambati Rayudu repeated his effort from the loss to England last week, this time significantly quicker, reaching 23 from 24 balls before handing Mitchell Marsh his first wicket since November 19 in Canberra against South Africa.

Rayudu was well caught by David Warner, running backwards to take the catch in front of the Bill O'Reilly Stand where the India supporters had taken over.

The skies then opened for a second time, leaving the fans with no choice but to drum, dance and sing along with the SCG big screens to keep themselves entertained.

But this time there would be no reprieve, the match abandoned to turn the focus to tomorrow’s Allan Border Medal night where 25-year-old Steve Smith is the favourite to take out his first gong on Australian cricket’s night of nights.

Ticket refund information

Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW announced that patrons who purchased tickets to the Carlton Mid Tri-Series ODI between Australia and India at the SCG may be eligible for a refund under the terms of Cricket Australia’s 2014-15 National Refund Policy.

With 16 overs bowled in the game and no result, Ticketek ticket purchasers may be eligible for 50 per cent of the value printed on their ticket.

For patrons who purchased their ticket with a credit card from the Ticketek website, call centre, mail order, box office or other outlet, refunds will be processed automatically to the credit card on which the ticket was bought.

For patrons who purchased their ticket from a Ticketek outlet or the SCG box office with cash, a refund will be processed by cheque in accordance with contact details provided by the Ticketek account holder at the time of purchase.

Refunds will not be available at the ground and patrons should receive an email from Ticketek with further information.

To view Cricket Australia’s 2014-15 National Refund Policy click here or visit cricket.com.au/tickets

EARLIER

Game 5 of the Carlton Mid ODI Tri-Series between Australia and India got underway in rainy conditions at 3pm, before play was interrupted 15 minutes later with the score 0-6 after 2.4 overs.

Play resumed at 4.06pm but players again exited the field after India reached 2-69, with Shikhar Dhawan out for eight, caught at first slip by Aaron Finch off Mitchell Starc, and Ambati Rayudu making 23 from 24 before skying a chance out to deep point that was well held by David Warner from the bowling of Mitch Marsh.

Earlier, George Bailey won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bowl first in conditions that look likely to suit fast bowling. 

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson (hamstring) will not be amongst the host of players returning for today’s clash, with the left-arm quick being saved for next week's final in Perth.

Captain Bailey (suspension), opener David Warner (rested), allrounder Mitch Marsh, spinner Xavier Doherty and paceman Josh Hazlewood all make their comebacks.

Johnson has not played since the Boxing Day Test match but bowled strongly during Australian training in Sydney over the weekend.

Bailey said Johnson was raring to go but indicated he will be saved for the Tri-Series final which will be played on a bouncy WACA pitch.

That will give Johnson just that match and Australia's two warm-up matches - against India at the Adelaide Oval on February 8 and the UAE in Melbourne on February 11 - to be firing for the World Cup.

Despite being without Johnson for the first three one-dayers against India and England, Australia have yet to suffer defeat.

While England took to Australia's young pace battery in Hobart, they composed themselves at the death and did enough to help Australia to a win with one ball remaining.

Bailey said the fact the side was still winning without some of their established stars boded well for the World Cup.

"What's really pleasing at the moment, and this is in all formats, is the depth we've got and the way guys can seamlessly come in from outside the squad and immediately start performing," he said.

"I think it just comes down to having really clear plans within that group."