On this day in 2002: Mithali Raj makes her Test debut
England Women arrived in India in 2002 to play a multi-format series. The itinerary of the visitors consisted of five ODIs which were to be played on either side of the one-off Test. India Women thumped the English side in the first three ODIs. The teams then met in Lucknow on 14th January 2002 to commence the one-off Test. One of India’s six Test debutants was Mithali Raj.
England bat first
After a setback in the ODI series, England Women decided to give their best in the Test match. The openers, Caroline Atkins and Arran Brindle batted out 101 overs on the opening day without giving India any reason to celebrate. The duo still had to work hard for their runs as they could only post 150 runs in 101 overs.
The home side stormed back in the game on the second day as Neetu David claimed 4/88. The English middle order stumbled after Atkins (90) and Brindle (85) were sent back to the hut. England were all out for 314 runs.
Rain plays spoilsport
India finished the rain-hit 2nd day with 21/0 in 10.5 overs. The rain continued to play spoilsport as only 35 overs were allowed on the following day. The weather gods relented on the final day and India managed to complete their innings.
On This Day !!
India Women’s Team Captain @M_Raj03 Test debut (cap 55)
14 January 2002 v England.#Run_Machine#Spl_Day@M_Raj03 pic.twitter.com/k8qU2tTqsz— Mithali Raj Queen Of Cricket (@MithaliRaj03_fc) January 14, 2018
Anju Jain was out for 47 while captain Anjum Chopra added 45. Mithali Raj, batting at number four, was out for a duck. She would avenge it after a few months as she scored a double century against England in England. Hemlata Kala celebrated a century while Mamatha Maben supported with 49 runs. The match ended in a draw as India finished the day on 312/9.
The Test match kick-started the careers of two India stalwarts, who continue to play for the nation – Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj. Both have played 12 Tests for the nation over their illustrious career.
