A sudden shower interrupted play after Australia set New Zealand a mammoth run-chase on the final day of the second Test at the WACA Ground in Perth on Tuesday.
The home side declared at 385 for seven after lunch, leaving the Kiwis needing an unlikely 321 to win from 48 overs to level the series, at almost seven runs per over.
The Kiwis were 28 for none after 8.2 overs, still needing 293 from 238 balls, when rain swept across the ground to force the players from the field, with an early tea called.
Tom Latham was on 15 and Martin Guptill was 13, the pair showing few signs they were interested in the chase.
Mitchell Johnson, in his final Test after announcing his retirement from international cricket before the day’s play, was two balls into his second over when the rain hit.
Australia lead the three-Test series 1-0 after a 208-run victory in the first Test at the Gabba, and the Kiwis need to win to have any hope of regaining the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
A draw had looked the most likely result when Australia resumed the day’s play with centurions Steve Smith and Adam Voges at the crease.
But the Kiwis removed both before lunch to revive their hopes of a remarkable comeback win.
Smith was caught behind by BJ Watling from the bowling of Trent Boult (2-77) for 138.
The form woes of Mitchell Marsh then continued when he made just one, trapped lbw by Doug Bracewell.
Australia had lost three wickets for just 24 runs when Voges was adjudged lbw for 119 from the bowling of Tim Southee (4-97).
Peter Nevill and Johnson set about steadying the ship, adding 61 in quick time and setting the scene for the declaration.
Johnson was given a guard of honour by the New Zealanders when he came out to bat, shaking hands with Kiwi Brendon McCullum on his way to the crease. He made 29 before he was caught behind from the bowling of Southee.
In his 73rd and final Test, Johnson claimed 1-157 in the New Zealand first innings and has bowled without his usual impact in the series.
He has taken 311 Test wickets to be fourth on the list of Australian wicket-takers.