Woakes takes out West Indian top order

West Indians 76 for 4 (Chanderpaul 15*, Nash 11*, Woakes 4-26) v England Lions
Scorecard

At a time when young English quick bowlers are making the headlines, Chris Woakes enhanced his claims for higher honours as he starred for the England Lions by taking out the West Indian top order on a rain-hit opening day at Derby.

Woakes ended with the fine figures of 4 for 26 as the tourists struggled to 76 for 4 in the 28 allowed by the weather. Play had started on time, but the opening passage of action lasted just 3.1 overs however that was still enough time for Woakes to make his mark. Lendl Simmons was drawn into a loose push which sent an edge through to Tim Ambrose for what was the first of three all-Warwickshire dismissals.

Rain prevented further play until well into the final session, but the lengthy stoppage hadn't effected Woakes who soon had Devon Smith caught behind. That was quickly followed by Denesh Ramdin's wicket as the stand-in captain was caught by Ian Bell.

However, Woakes' most notable scalp was still to follow when he removed a well-set Ramnaresh Sarwan for 31 with Samit Patel taking the catch as the West Indians staggered to 55 for 4.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brendan Nash managed to resist until bad light brought an early close, but it was another troubling day for the West Indian top order - following their poor display against Essex, with the opening Test less than a week away.