Gilchrist rues ruined Chennai 'classic'

"India may have been slightly in front. But day five, worn out pitch, it would have been difficult (to have won), " Gilchrist said.

Australian captain Adam Gilchrist said he was disappointed rain forced the second Test against India to be abandoned as a draw on the final day.

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"The Test match was shaping up to be a classic," he said after play was called off on Monday. "Both teams were in the hunt and it is very frustrating to finish this way."

India were 19 for no loss overnight chasing 229 on a turning Chepauk pitch after Damien Martyn hit 104 in the second innings to lead an Australian fightback on day four.

"India may have been slightly in front," the wicket-keeper added. "But we scored only 219 runs on the fourth day.

"Day five, worn out pitch, it would have been increasingly difficult (to have won)."

"We are extremely disappointed with our first innings batting," he said after Australia collapsed from 136 for none to 235 all out.

"In time gone past we could have easily been intimidated by that kind of batting. We were totally swept away on day one to the extent we could have been completely crushed.

"But we fought well."

Gilchrist also praised leg-spinner Shane Warne, who claimed the record for most Test wickets in Chennai, returning six for 125 in the Indian first innings to finish on 537.

"This is not the best I have seen him bowling, although he may have a different opinion.

"In my first series against India (1999-2000)... he didn't get a fiver, but he bowled remarkably well."