A storm hit Brisbane during the tea break on day two of the series-deciding fourth Test between Australia and India.

There was widespread hope of a restart after the showers cleared.

But umpires pulled the pin after conducting a second pitch inspection at 4.45pm (local time).

Umpires Bruce Oxenford and Paul Wilson were concerned about a damp section of the outfield.

Play could have been extended well beyond the allocated finish time of 5pm but only if both sides were already back on the park by that cut-off time, meaning umpires were forced to pull up stumps rather than schedule another inspection.

"We've got some archaic rules in cricket that are still in play, particularly for Test cricket," Border said on Fox Sports.

"Around the inner square and inner circle of the ground was quite dry and playable.

"What percentage of balls go into the outfield, and into the outfield where there are wet spots?"

Adam Gilchrist, speaking on the same network before play started on Sunday, felt there should be more flexibility regarding session times.

"The tea break due ... could you be flexible there and say we know there's going to be rain in half an hour, let's just keep going? You'll get a break soon," Gilchrist said.

"They are rules that were written a long time ago, and it's a much more modern world that we're living in."

Gabba staff watered the centre-wicket block soon after 5pm, adding another layer of absurdity to the washed-out final session.

Australia coach Justin Langer noted umpires made the right call but the rules governing stoppages and resumptions should be reviewed.

"As a cricket tragic that I am, and also now watching the business of sport, it's so disappointing for us not to be playing cricket," Langer told Fox Sports on Sunday.

"Because of a bit of soggy grass.

"It's one of the areas we need to look at in cricket."

Australia must win the fourth Test to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar trophy, and yet more wet weather may stall their push for victory.

Rain is not expected to interrupt day three of the series finale but showers are forecast for Monday and Tuesday.

Australian Associated Press