Top Performer: Praveen Kumar

Playing like a veteran, Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Praveen Kumar removed the Australian top order and then came back to claim a crucial wicket at the death when things got tighter.

Kumar is only in his first season in international cricket but he displayed a cool head while everything around him was reaching boiling point.

Using the new ball brilliantly, the Meerut medium-pacer upset Adam Gilchrist's swan song with a delivery that swung away.

He accounted for Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke — both making a hash of their favourite pull shots — and then bowled Brett Lee with a brilliant slower one.

Praveen's display made India's less then anticipated score of 258 look more than competitive. Truly a standout performer.

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