Paine backs Starc despite Gabba woes

The hosts entered the final day of the fourth Test at the Gabba in the box seat to pinch a victory of their own.

Like at the SCG last week, Australia's bowling attack couldn't find the 10 wickets needed but this time India went one further to pull off a remarkable, record-breaking 328-run chase.

Pat Cummins (4-55) was the pick of Australia's attack in a gutsy 24-over effort as he finished with man-of-the-series honours, while Josh Hazlewood (1-74) ended the four-match series with 17 wickets at 19.35.

Starc (11 wickets at 40.72) and Nathan Lyon (nine at 55.11) were less effective, while Cameron Green was used occasionally as he went wicketless in his debut series.

Starc in particular was used sparingly as the game tightened in Brisbane on Tuesday, the left-armer taken for 20 in one pivotal over that turned the game in India's favour.

But captain Paine has thrown his support behind the fast bowler, whom he said was possibly carrying niggles but like his counterparts was "ready to go" at the Gabba.

"Starcy is someone who, the way he bowls, he is going to come in for some criticism," Paine said.

"When he's on he is one of the great bowlers you'll see, and at times he doesn't quite get it right and when that's the case it doesn't look great.

"But again Mitchell Starc has done an amazing job for our Test team over a long period of time and he will continue to do so."

With uncapped squad members Michael Neser and Sean Abbott waiting in the wings, Langer said he'd have no hesitation in selecting the same men if he had his time again.

"Maybe (I asked too much), but I'm proud of the fact those four stood up for the whole series," he told ABC Sport.

"You would have been a brave man coming into the Gabba Test and not selecting those four bowlers ... I would've done the same thing.

"Tell me who you would've picked when the series was on the line ... I would have picked them every single day."

Australian Associated Press