diff --git a/test/cluster/dtest/scrub_test.py b/test/cluster/dtest/scrub_test.py
index 7cbe266c97..644dd3df30 100644
--- a/test/cluster/dtest/scrub_test.py
+++ b/test/cluster/dtest/scrub_test.py
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ class TestScrubIndexes(TestHelper):
                 "tablets_initial_scale_factor": 1,
             }
         )
-        cluster.populate(1).start(jvm_args=["--smp", "1"])
+        cluster.populate(1).start(jvm_args=["--smp", "1"], wait_for_binary_proto=True)
         node1 = cluster.nodelist()[0]
 
         session = self.patient_cql_connection(node1)
@@ -263,7 +263,7 @@ class TestScrubIndexes(TestHelper):
 
         # Restart and check data again
         cluster.stop()
-        cluster.start()
+        cluster.start(jvm_args=["--smp", "1"], wait_for_binary_proto=True)
 
         session = self.patient_cql_connection(node1)
         session.execute("USE %s" % (KEYSPACE))