Even more than his Olympic champion brother Alistair, Jonny Brownlee has been triathlon’s Mr Dependable.

Injury and illness have meant that, as well as a huge number of victories in this unpredictable sport, Alistair has also bombed in a few races.

Not Jonny. Jonny always finished on the podium, occasionally even ahead of his older brother. Then came this year’s World Triathlon Series race in Yokohama in May.

Jonny had not had the best start to the season, being well beaten by big rival Javier Gomez in Auckland and Cape Town, while Alistair recovered from his latest injury.

But in Yokohama he was fifth – it was the first time he had not been on the podium in 50 races, a run stretching back four years to a time when he was barely out of juniors.

Hyde Park, the venue where he won Olympic bronze behind Alistair and Gomez, offered an opportunity for salvation two weeks later, but again Jonny could only manage fifth.

Even Alistair had to settle for two fourths, but he was coming back from injury and normal service was soon resumed with victories at the European Championships and at the world series race in Hamburg.

There was relief, too, for Jonny in Hamburg as he climbed back onto the podium in third, giving him a much-needed confidence boost heading into the Commonwealth Games.

The 24-year-old, a more open character than his brother, seems happy to delve into his struggles. “It’s been a strange year,” he said.

“I started so early, but I wanted to be in top form for the Commonwealths, so it’s been difficult. But the last few weeks my track times have changed completely and I’ve felt a lot better.

“Triathlon is an endurance sport and you can’t peak too many times in the season. If you want to do well in the world series you have to perform okay throughout and not have any ups and downs.”

South Africa’s Richard Murray, currently fourth in the world rankings, offers serious competition to the Brownlees, while Australian duo Ryan Bailie and Aaron Royle are also in the world’s top 10.

David McNamee is Scotland’s best hope.