Recalled paceman Mitchell Starc has the respect of both India and Australia’s Test cricket captains, as he tries to climb out of the vast shadow cast by Australia’s other Mitchell.

Starc’s inclusion for Mitchell Johnson, who has a slight hamstring strain, is the only change to the Australian team for the fourth and final test against India starting at the SCG on Tuesday.

Local NSW favourite Starc recorded the modest match figures of 2-110 in his previous appearance in the series in the second Test in Brisbane and picked up four scalps in his only Test at the SCG against Sri Lanka two years ago.

Since returning to domestic cricket, Starc has produced a couple of sizzling performances for Big Bash side Sydney Sixers.

The 24-year-old quick uprooted the middle stump of South African legend Jacques Kallis in one game, produced a double-wicket over in the other and frequently nudged, and occasionally superseded, the 150 km/h mark.

“The way we’ve seen Mitch go back and play in the Big Bash, he’s looked like he’s bowled exceptionally quick,” Australian captain Steve Smith said on Monday.

“We’re looking forward to hopefully some of the same that he’s produced in the Big Bash, this week.

“I think if he sustains that for long periods, if he can keep that kind of pace up and sustain it for the long day he can be an extremely amazing bowler.”

Smith wasn’t sure if Starc would take the new ball, but said having a left-arm quick option was good for Australia.

Indian captain Virat Kohli, who played alongside Starc in the last Indian Premier League season, certainly doesn’t regard him as a downgrade from the more established Mitchell.

“He (Johnson) has been a game changing bowler for them for the last two years, but we’re not looking at one particular individual, we’re not focusing on anyone,” Kohli said.

“Mitchell Starc, I’ve played with him, he’s an equally talented bowler.”

Kohli was encouraged by what he saw from his inexperienced pacemen in the last Test, but felt some of the criticism directed at the quicks was harsh.

“When our bowlers get hit, it’s always about bad bowling, when we hit against the other bowlers, it’s always good batting, I don’t understand where the problem lies,” Kohli said.

“Let’s not be too critical of them. They are young, inexperienced, and what I saw at the MCG was a good sign of what you need in Test cricket, those important spells when you are tired and out.”