Melbourne, Feb 14 : A rainstorm saved Australia from major humiliation when the match was abandoned with the Kiwis in sight of victory, but skipper Ricky Ponting was left red-faced in a dramatic series finale at the Gabba.

Australia was saved from the final insult of a woeful summer, allowing Ponting's side to retain the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy with the series finishing at 2-2.

However, Ponting was at the centre of a drama after returning to his Brisbane hotel when he presumed the rain-soaked decider would be called off after four hours of rain, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Ponting and Brad Haddin were forced to rush back to the Gabba when ground officials unexpectedly readied the field for play and the match against New Zealand became a 22-over slog-fest.

It was a dramatic night and at 6-123 chasing the Duckworth Lewis reduced total of 156, New Zealand looked headed for a famous victory with six overs remaining.

However umpires Steve Bucknor and Rod Tucker had no choice but to call play off when a huge rainstorm hit the ground.

Ponting, who made just two, feared New Zealand were set to compound the misery inflicted by South Africa this summer.

To make matters worse for Australia, Michael Clarke's back injury is still causing problems and he will miss tomorrow''s Twenty20 international in Sydney with Haddin standing in as captain. (ANI)