Australia's Michael Neser falls short of hat-trick as India left 'numb' after early disaster

India A's top order has fallen in brutal fashion and Australia's Michael Neser was narrowly denied a hat-trick in a dramatic start to the second tour match.

Veteran seamer Neser left India scrambling at 2-4 in the first over at the MCG, needing just three deliveries to make his first break through India's top order.

The 34-year-old dismissed Abhumanyu Easwaran with a short-pitched delivery to collect the opener for a duck.

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On the next delivery, Neser dismissed Sai Sudharsan for a golden duck as the opener failed to move his bat out of the way in a failed attempt to leave a wide delivery.

Going for a hat-trick, Neser found the inside edge of KL Rahul.

The ball somehow missed the stumps and also sailed wide of Australia A wicketkeeper Cameron Bancroft, who dived but couldn't get a glove on it.

Australia's demolition was not ready to end, though, as Scott Boland struck gold with a wicket in his opening over.

Neser returned to claim his third with a delivery to Ruturaj Gaikwad carrying to second slip.

"There are quite a few Indian supporters here at the MCG... and they are totally numb," Adam White said in commentary on Fox Cricket.

"I can only imagine how the players must be feeling at the moment."

Neser returned to claim his third victim, with India's skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad caught for 4.

All eyes will be on the Australia A batters when Nathan McSweeney opens in what is believed to be his final audition for a Test debut.