#OTD in 2002: Mithali Raj became the first Indian women's cricketer to slam a double hundred 

Mithali Raj became the first double centurion from India

On this day, twenty years ago, Mithali Raj etched her name into history books by becoming the first women cricketer from India to hit a double hundred. She achieved this unique feat in the second Test fixture of the England Tour at Taunton. 

India take a significant lead courtesy Mithali Raj's historical innings

Invited to bat first, England lost its openers Charlotte Edwards and Kathryn Len early. In the middle-order, skipper Clare Connor (48) and Laura Newton (98) guided the team well. 

Then, keeper Mandie Godliman (65) further propelled the Three Lionesses to post a score of 329. Neetu David was the pick of the bowlers for visitors with four scalps. 

Raj played a stellar knock against the home side

India could not get off to a good start as well. However, captain Anjum Chopra (52) and Raj resurrected the team's innings to add 55 runs for the third wicket. Then Raj stitched another big stand of 144 runs with Hemlata Kala (62). 

On Day four (16 August), the then 19-year-old hit a double century in her only third red-ball match. She was dismissed for 214 off 407 by Isa Guha. In the lower-order, Jhulan Goswami contributed 62 to help India finish on 467 and take a lead of 138 runs. 

Charlotte Edwards leads from the front to save England from defeat

The English opener Charlotte Edwards displayed strong resistance against Indian bowlers in the second innings and contributed 56 off 108 balls. 

Connor (46) and Newton (33) were the key contributors for hosts to end the match on 198/6. 

The series ended as a draw, with the first Test getting abandoned due to rain. 

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