Cricket: Play starts in Melbourne after rain delay

India's Ravindra Jadeja (C) celebrates with his teammates after dismissing Australia's captain Tim Paine on day four of the third test match between Australia and India at the MCG in Melbourne, Australia, December 29, 2018. AAP/Hamish Blair/via REUTERS

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - The fifth and final day of the third test between Australia and India got under way on Sunday after rain delayed the start by nearly two-and-a-half hours at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia resumed on 258 for eight, still 141 runs short of their victory target, with Pat Cummins 61 not out and Nathan Lyon on six.

Virat Kohli's India needed two wickets to close out victory and take a 2-1 lead in the four-test series.

Australia's Pat Cummins bats on day four of the third test match between Australia and India at the MCG in Melbourne, Australia, December 29, 2018. AAP/Julian Smith/via REUTERS

India's Ravindra Jadeja (L) celebrates with captain Virat Kohli after dismissing Australia's captain Tim Paine on day four of the third test match between Australia and India at the MCG in Melbourne, Australia, December 29, 2018. AAP/Julian Smith/via REUTERS

(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Peter Rutherford)