Despite the best efforts of Australia's women cricketers, the second one-day international against the West Indies in Melbourne has been abandoned.

There were comical scenes as the hosts rushed to help Junction Oval ground staff pull covers over the pitch, with the tourists 8-107 after 25.3 overs.

But their efforts were in vain as the match was called off soon afterwards.

"I would ask for a little bit of a payrise there," Australia legspinner Alana King told the Seven Network.

"The poor groundies, I think they're a few short tonight."

The match had already been reduced to 29 overs per side after a three-and-a-half hour rain delay.

Rashada Williams and returning captain Hayley Matthews gave the Windies a bright start after they were eventually sent in to bat under grey skies.

The openers made 23 and 20 respectively but couldn't go on with the job as King (3-16) and Annabel Sutherland (3-6) ensured wickets fell at regular intervals.

Aaliyah Alleyne (28 not out) was the only other West Indies batter to reach double figures before rain forced players off the field.

Windies skipper Matthews still appeared troubled by her sore quad that kept her out of the series opener, but found touch with the bat before her dismissal.

She struck four boundaries, including three off consecutive deliveries during Megan Schutt's (0-28) third over.

But Matthews was out soon afterwards, nicking an inside edge from Kim Garth (1-20) back onto the stumps.

Williams was almost out in the same over but her thick edge flew between wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy and first-slip Beth Mooney.