Raj lays platform for India

29 August 2006

Mithali Raj © Getty Images

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India skipper Mithali Raj played a captain’s role as she helped steer the tourists out of trouble and establish a strong position against England on day one of the second npower Test at Taunton.

On an overcast morning in the west country, India won the toss and elected to bat first but struggled early as they lost two quick wickets.

The conditions were certainly not conducive to free scoring shots and both Karuna Jain and Sulakshana Naik departed with just 40 on the scoreboard.

Naik was the first to go for 25, Sarah Taylor taking the catch off Beth Morgan’s bowling, before Jain swiftly followed for a pain-staking 12 as Isa Guha claimed an lbw verdict.

Isa Guha sends another delivery down for England © Getty Images

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However, England’s joy was short lived as Raj and Anjum Chopra began the recovery operation.

The duo put on a 128-run third-wicket partnership to set the Indians up for a challenging first-innings total as they closed on 168 for two off 77 overs.

Raj is unbeaten on 64 alongside Chopra (56 not out).