Moeen Ali picked up one wicket – and was denied another by a dropped catch – on the opening day of the second Investec Test at Lord's.
The Worcestershire all-rounder dismissed Ravindra Jadeja and finished the day with figures of 1-38 from 14 overs.
India closed on 290-9 after beng put into bat on a green wicket by England captain Alastair Cook.
Moeen, who had taken four wickets in the opening Test at Trent Bridge, was first introduced into the attack for the final over before lunch with India 71-2.
It was almost a dream start as his fifth delivery was nicked by Virat Kohli but keeper Matt Prior failed to hold onto the chance.
Moeen came back into the attack at 115-4 and bowled three tight overs, including two maidens, before striking in the fourth over of his spell.
Jadeja was beaten by a delivery which skidded straight on and was adjudged lbw for three to make India 128-6.
Moeen was hugged by Ian Bell and mobbed by his team-mates after the dismissal of a player in the head-lines for an alleged incident involving James Anderson.
The spinner bowled a lengthy spell either side of tea before being replaced by Liam Plunkett and came back to bowl just one more over before the new ball was taken.
A century from Ajinkya Rahane rescued India.
