India, June 7 -- Chris Woakes was England Lions' star with the ball on the opening day of the second unofficial Test match, taking the first three Indian wickets. It serves as a good sign for Woakes, who is returning from injury and was named in England's squad for the first Test of the series at Headingley in Leeds.

Woakes, however, was frustrated by a precise and chanceless century made by KL Rahul, who impressed with 116 to set the spine for India A's innings. Woakes was full of praise for the Indian opener, especially considering that it was a lively and moving pitch throughout the day.

"KL played really well, good hundred, on a wicket which did a little bit all day. There were periods where it was a bit quiet, but it was doing some...