Batting record tumbles as Raj hits double ton

Mithali Raj has made the highest score in the history of women's Test cricket to put India in a magnificent position with a day remaining against England at Taunton.

The 19-year-old from Jodhpur reached an unbeaten 210 to take India to 445 for six, 112 runs ahead of the hosts. Her runs came off 399 balls, with 19 fours, and she passed the previous world record of 209* set by Australia's Karen Rolton, also against England, at Leeds last year.

Raj continued her overnight partnership with Hemlata Kala, taking it to 144 before Kala was run out for 62 (149 balls, eight fours).

After losing Deepa Kulkarni (8) and wicket-keeper Sulakshana Naik (16), Raj found another adhesive partner in Jhulan Goswami, who was still there at the close after the two had added 148 for the seventh wicket. Goswami ended the day on 54.

England tried nine bowlers as the day progressed, with skipper Clare Connor the most successful with two for 64. Nicki Shaw, Laura Harper and Kathryn Leng each took a wicket, but the plaudits all belonged to Raj.