Australia’s late push for the most unlikely day-five win in Brisbane has been ended by rain, with the final session of the third Test washed out and the series left level at 1-1.

On a wet and bizarre day at the Gabba, Australia attempted to set up a contest by declaring at 7-89 in their second innings and setting India 275 to win with 54 overs to survive.

India’s innings then lasted just 13 balls before bad light stopped play and heavy rain showers arrived before tea, in a Test that has been heavily impacted by weather on four of the five days.

The result means India are one win away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, given they are the current holders of the prize.

Australia had always faced an uphill battle to claim a win on Wednesday, after the tourists narrowly avoided the follow-on on the fourth night and finished all out for 260 early on day five.

Pat Cummins’ men then went into full-attack mode in their attempt to set a target, with almost every batter out to an attacking shots in an innings that lasted just 18 overs.

Usman Khawaja was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah on eight, while Marnus Labuschagne was caught behind off the quick on one.

Nathan McSweeney also played a poor shot to be caught behind cutting Akash Deep on four, while Mitch Marsh also edged off to Akash on two.

Australia then fell to 5-33 when Steve Smith was caught behind down legside off Mohammed Siraj on four.

Travis Head (17), Alex Carey (20no) and Cummins (22) added some respectability to the board, as the only men to reach double figures.

The hosts will argue the wickets were in the interest of team play, given the match situation.

But it will also shine a light on the out-of-form top order, with Labuschagne’s 64 in Adelaide the only half-century from any of the top three in this series.

And while Khawaja and McSweeney have struggled, 19-year-old prodigy Sam Konstas has continued to score big runs opening in domestic cricket.

Josh Inglis also remains with the Test squad as a back-up batter, after a big start to the summer in the Sheffield Shield.

Australia face the prospect of having to play the final two Tests without Josh Hazlewood, after he strained his calf on Tuesday.

Without Hazlewood, Cummins (4-81) and Mitchell Starc (3-83) were forced to bowl 46 overs between them in India’s first innings.