Rain ruins Aussies' tri-series clash

The seventh match of this one-day international tri-series has lasted just six legal deliveries after heavy afternoon rain leaked onto the pitch at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

The match between Australia and South Africa got underway at 1pm local time as scheduled, with Mitchell Starc conceding eight runs from his opening over after Steve Smith had sent the Proteas into bat, before the heavens opened and the players were forced from the ground.

The rain continued steadily for several hours until it ceased and the ground staff removed the heavy blue covers that had been protecting the entire center wicket block.

But the removal of the main covers revealed the hession that lay beneath didn't cover the entire pitch, leaving half of the playing surface covered in water.

The outline of a wet patch could clearly be seen running along the centre of the pitch, with ground staff using pieces of foam and even a heavy duty blow dryer in an attempt the dry the surface.

But their efforts were to no avail and after another light shower, the match was officially abandoned at 6.30pm local time.

Both teams were awarded two points for the no result, moving South Africa to 12 points, Australia to 11 and leaving the Windies on eight.

It means either a win or another no result for Australia in their clash with the Windies on Wednesday morning (AEST) would secure their place in the series decider on June 27, while a loss would send them home.

The Proteas and Windies will face-off in the final preliminary match on Saturday morning (AEST).