Mitchell Starc has sent an ominous warning to India ahead of this summer’s blockbuster Test series, taking a bag of wickets in his return to Sheffield Shield.

The 34-year-old has been part of a star-studded clash at the MCG, featuring the likes of Steve Smith and Scott Boland, as well as Test hopefuls Marcus Harris and Sam Konstas.

But while some of his NSW teammates failed to fire with the bat, Starc was able to tear through the Victorian order in the second innings.

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After returning figures of 1-35 off 19 overs in Victoria’s first dig, Starc was at his ruthless best on Tuesday as he claimed 6-81 off 17.5 overs.

Speaking at the close of play in Melbourne, the left-arm quick was quizzed about his preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which kicks off in late November, sending a timely reminder to the Indian side.

“Wickets aside, I think the rhythm was there,” Starc said after day three.

“I felt probably the best I have felt for a while actually.

“Across the two innings, it feels like it’s in a good spot.”

Starc’s efforts with ball in hand were undone by the NSW top order later in the day, with Smith out for a duck and skipper Moises Henriques making just 12.

Boland picked up two poles for the Vics, while young gun Fergus O’Neill chimed in again and backed up his four-wicket haul from the first innings.

NSW require 198 runs to win on the final day with four wickets in hand.