Some have questioned the potency of Australia’s opening pacers, with Shane Warne describing their recent Test returns as “not good enough”. Against top-six batsmen in 2018, Hazlewood grabbed 18 wickets at an average of 40, while Starc claimed 17 scalps at 47.

It’s been a different story for Cummins, however, whose career-best match figures of 9-99 at the MCG helped him rocket to third place in the ICC bowling rankings – also a career high. His 30 wickets have come at 23 during this calendar year, while the speedster’s 11 overs in India’s second innings yielded 6-27.

“I’m pretty happy at No.8,” Cummins added. “It’s a bit easier when I walk in and the bowlers have already bowled a few spells and the ball is a bit older. It’s a much tougher job at the top of the order.”

Sydney Cricket Ground, Cummins’ home turf, will play host for the fourth and final Test, which commences on Thursday, with skipper Virat Kohli insisting India “are not going to stop here”, describing a potential away-series win as “an obsession”.

There’s been much talk about the SCG pitch after both Sheffield Shield matches this season have ended in a draw, but that’s unlikely to phase Cummins, who twelve months ago claimed 8-119 in a Player of the Match display against England in his maiden SCG Test.

“I absolutely loved last year,” Cummins said. “All my friends and family were there and we won the series 4-0. I’ve got great memories and I can’t wait to get out there.”

Australia have added spin-bowling all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne to their Test squad for Sydney.