Queensland all-rounder Jack Wildermuth rattles India in pink ball contest

India’s world-class batting attack has been rattled by a last-minute replacement, who wreaked havoc with the pink ball on Friday afternoon.

Jack Wildermuth of Australia A prepares to bowl during day one.

Queensland all-rounder Jack Wildermuth has rattled India’s world-class batting attack during Australia A’s three-day match at the SCG.

India had raced to 2/102 in the afternoon session on Friday when Wildermuth struck with his eighth delivery of the day, a peach removing Hanuma Vihari for 15.

Vihari opted not to offer a shot, only for Wildermuth’s delivery to seam back off the deck and clip the top of off stump.

The 27-year-old then dismissed rival captain Ajinkya Rahane for four and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant for five to leave India in dire straits at the tea break.

Jack Wildermuth of Australia A appeals for the wicket of Rishabh Pant.

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Wildermuth’s performance was all the more impressive when considering he was a last-minute replacement for New South Wales veteran Moises Henriques, who had suffered a hamstring strain.

At one stage, the Queenslander boasted figures of 3/8 off six overs including three maidens.

Pace bowler Sean Abbott also snared three breakthroughs in overcast conditions in Sydney, as India lost 7/21 during a pitiful collapse.

Really happy for Jack Wildermuth. I was at his international debut in Harare in 2018 - the coldest day I've experienced at any cricket. He hasn't really been in the conversation since but is helping change that today - what beautiful shape away from the right-hander. #AusAvInd

— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) December 11, 2020

So if this is a practice match, what is India practising? #AusAvInd

— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) December 11, 2020

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Uncapped young gun Shubman Gill plundered a quick-fire 43, before he was removed by West Australian prodigy Cameron Green, who found the batsman’s outside edge.

The pink ball offered plenty of movement through the air and off the pitch, with Wildermuth effectively exploiting the bowler-friendly conditions on day one.

Wildermuth represented Australia in two T20 internationals in 2018, and has played for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League since 2017.

He has taken 105 first-class wickets for the Queensland Bulls at 29.37, and scored two centuries in the Sheffield Shield.