Rain fell steadily during the break between innings, and the umpires are due to inspect the pitch very soon.

When play resums, Australia will be chasing New Zealand's score of 238 for victory in the fourth ODI match.

Off-spinner Nathan Hauritz finished the best of the Aussie bowlers, taking 3-46 off 8 overs, including the prized scalp of New Zealand opener Brendan McCullum for 61.

Shane Watson (2-34 from 6), James Hopes (2-38 from 10) and Mitchell Johnson (2-40 from 8.1) almost chimed in to bowl the New Zealanders out in the 45th over.

The Kiwis were cruising at 0-63 with McCullum and Martin Guptill hammering the Australian opening bowlers - particularly Doug Bollinger, who's opening spell leaked 34 runs from just five overs.

McCullum's 61 came off just 75 balls with three 4s and four 6s.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and again elected to bowl for the second match in a row after the selectors had named an unchanged team to the third match int he series, which Australia won comfortably.

Tasmanian captain George Bailey, who flew to New Zealand yesterday to replace Michael Clarke, was not named in the squad of 12.