The left-armer squeezed in one over before rain brought an early close to play on Monday in Brisbane.

But for those six balls he cut a frustrated figure at the crease, complaining to umpire Paul Wilson and looking to change into different shoes before rain stopped play.

He then appeared to grab at his hamstring as he walked off the ground.

Australia's bowlers were made to work overtime as they toiled for a win that never came at the SCG last week, Starc bowling 22 overs as India stood firm for a draw.

He backed up to bowl 23 more in the first innings in Brisbane as India's lower order hung tough, with more asked of the Australian pace battery on Tuesday if the hosts are to claim a 2-1 series victory.

Batsman Steve Smith said he wasn't sure if Starc was battling an injury.

"I saw the same thing walking back, he was grabbing at his right hamstring I think it was," he said.

"I'm sure he will get assessed by the medical staff and one thing I know about Mitchell is he's tough and he's played through some injuries before and got the job done, so he'll be hopefully good to go tomorrow."

India will resume on Tuesday 0-4, requiring what would be a Gabba-record 328 for victory.

Australian Associated Press