Since then, Kohli has been a shadow of his former self, registering scores of 7, 11 and 3 for a return of 126 runs at 31.5 in the series. He has never averaged below 37.5 in a series against Australia in Australia and has looked nothing like the player who smashed 692 runs at 86.5 in the 2014-15 series.

Before his century in Perth, Kohli averaged 26.4 from his previous 14 innings. If the 36-year-old cannot steer India to a series victory, questions will be asked about his future and ability to perform at the highest level.

“There’s no real talk about that [Kohli’s form],” Marsh said. “I think it’s more just every time it comes to the crease we know he’s a big wicket for them. He’s one of the greatest players ever. So it’s just about being really diligent and trying to execute plans.”

India’s high-profile batters were once again bamboozled by Hazlewood (1-17 from five), Starc (2-25 from eight) and Cummins (1-7 from two) on the middle day of a five-Test series that is locked at 1-1.

The visitors slumped to 2-6 when Mitch Marsh took back-to-back catches – first at forward square leg and then a spectacular diving grab at gully – to help Starc remove Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) and Shubman Gill (1). Opener KL Rahul showed some resistance, making his way to 33 at stumps.

Starc shot a knowing glance at Jaiswal, who had taunted the Australian paceman in Perth about bowling too slow. Since then, a golden duck at Adelaide has dented the confidence of Jaiswal, who has learnt just how hard success can be in Australia.

“Fielding at gully is probably the most nervous I get because [Cam] Green is probably going to go down as the best ever,” Marsh said. “If you drop one there, they always compare you to Greeny.”

Warming up near the boundary before going out, Jaiswal clipped a ball off his pads along the ground that hit Cricket Australia’s video guru Tama Stockley in the ankle. The young batter immediately apologised, but given the ball was also whacked towards Australian players, the team looked unimpressed. His dismissal shortly afterwards was certainly sweet.

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With Pant also back in the sheds after edging Cummins through to Carey for nine, Australia require another 16 wickets for victory, provided India do not mount a major comeback.

By late in the afternoon, Nathan Lyon had bowled just six balls across the previous 22 days. He sent down one over from the Stanley Street end before players walked off the Gabba for the eighth time in the day. The last time was due to bad light.

Earlier, Australia had added important late runs courtesy of Carey (70) and Starc (20) to register their highest total since the 487 they made against Pakistan in Perth last year.

Up to 50 millimetres of rain could fall across Tuesday and Wednesday, leaving Australia with precious little time to take their remaining wickets.