Glenn McGrath wants Australia to go all in and back Mitchell Starc's fitness at the SCG, believing the risk is worth the reward of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Starc was sent for scans on his sore ribs on Wednesday ahead of Friday's series-deciding fifth Test, with team staff adamant the action is normal procedure.
Even still the 34-year-old's fitness remains the key issue for Australia, particularly given the hosts are already without the injured Josh Hazlewood.
Questions had long surrounded whether Australia's quicks could play all five Tests against India this summer, with signs of fatigue emerging late in previous series.
That was most pertinent in the final Test at the Gabba four years ago, when India chased down 329 on the final day to win the series.
If Starc is to miss, Cummins would likely be joined by Scott Boland and Jhye Richardson in one of Australia's most inexperienced pace attacks in years.
And with Hazlewood's absence in mind, Australia's most successful ever quick in McGrath said he believed it would be worth the risk of playing Starc to try and ensure the side claim the trophy.
"It depends on the Test and the state of the series (on if you would risk him). This is a massive game," McGrath said at the launch of the Pink Test on Wednesday.
"Australia haven't beaten India for the last two series here in Australia, which is nearly unheard of. It is a massive Test match.
"Australia really want to drive this last Test home. I guess it will be up to Mitch and the powers that be.
"He will be doing everything possible to be out in the middle. He is such a massive part of this Australian team, and when he is on fire he is as good as anyone.
"Australia will want to go in with their best team. To lose Hazlewood was a big blow, and Scotty Boland came in and has been amazing
"I hope Mitchell Starc is out there come day one."
McGrath's comments came as his foundation announced a move towards providing care for all cancer sufferers, beyond just those with breast cancer.
Sold-out crowds are expected across the first three days in Sydney, aiding both McGrath's charity push and home-town support for Australia after Melbourne.
Battling rib pain, Starc still sent down 16 overs on the final day at the MCG on Monday, with Alex Carey noting the ball was still hitting his gloves just as hard.
“The first spell without the reward was some of the best bowling I've seen this series from him," Carey said.
“He's got an opportunity now to help this team in a Test match. He’ll be up for the contest, and I think his bowling's just gotten better throughout the series.
"He'll be fine. He'll push through. I’ve played with Starcy for a long time now, and he’s one of the toughest cricketers I've played with.
“He’ll grimace, he'll grab his rib no doubt, but he'll be ready for the contest."
