Saturday 16 August 2014 17:55, UK
An unbeaten half-century from captain Mithali Raj steered India's women to a six-wicket victory over England in the one-off Test at Wormsley.
Raj's fourth Test fifty proved decisive, although it was partner Shikha Pandey (26 not out) who hit the winning runs with a drive through extra cover an hour and 50 minutes into the final day.
Resuming on 119-4 and requiring a further 62 to win, Raj and her overnight partner Pandey began watchfully with just five runs coming from the first five overs.
On a pitch that had become easier for batting and with favourable overhead conditions, England's quartet of seam bowlers found it hard going, with very little movement either through the air or off the seam.
Pandey brought up India's 150 with a drive through the covers off Jenny Gunn. Runs were coming at a quicker rate than they had all match, with the first hour yielding 32.
A last roll of the dice saw Gunn return from the Deer Park End, but England captain Charlotte Edwards dropped an easy catch at mid-off when Raj mis-hit a drive straight to her when she was on 40.
The 50 partnership between Raj and Pandey was brought up with a gentle push into the off-side by Raj, leaving just another 15 required for victory. Those runs were knocked off quickly, assisted by a wide, a mis-field which turned a single into three and some helpful wide balls outside the off-stump.
England all-rounder Gunn was named player of the match for her five wickets and unbeaten 62 with the bat.
Edwards said: "There was a huge amount of belief in the team coming here this morning because of our previous experience of Test cricket, but it just wasn't to be. Great credit must be given to India and Mithali for sticking to their task and seeing it through."
Raj, who finished on 50 not out, added: "I am very happy that I have got to play another Test and I am especially happy for the young girls in the side. Test matches feel very different and this victory feels very special."
