Former England and Kent bowler Derek Underwood dies at the age of 78, the county announces.
Derek Underwood was a strong advocate for expanding the game of cricket globally while still preserving its traditional roots. He made significant contributions both as a player and off the field, and his presence will be deeply missed by the entire Kent Cricket community. Underwood was also a highly acclaimed bowler, ranking sixth on England's list of top Test wicket-takers. He had an impressive career, making his debut for Kent at a young age and later representing England in international matches. His impact on the sport and his dedication to its growth will be remembered by all who knew him.
Slow left-arm spinner Derek Underwood was a dominant force in English cricket, taking 297 wickets in 86 Test matches, the highest by any England spinner. Throughout his impressive 24-year career, he represented Kent in 676 first-class matches and achieved an outstanding 2,465 wickets. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Underwood was awarded an MBE in 1981 and later served as the president of the Marylebone Cricket Club in 2009.
Derek Underwood, also known as 'Deadly', was a highly talented cricketer who excelled in both test matches and one-day internationals. He was known for his impressive bowling skills and was a key player for Kent Cricket and the England national team. His contributions to the sport have left a lasting legacy, and his induction into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame is a testament to his incredible talent and impact on the game. His passing has left a void in the cricketing world, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest players to have graced the sport.
Derek Underwood was renowned for his exceptional accuracy and ability to bowl at a quicker pace than most spinners. He was also skilled at varying his pace and length to deceive batters. His effectiveness was heightened on wet pitches, where his faster deliveries could skid on to batters and his ability to extract turn on drying surfaces made him a formidable opponent. His unique talents were a privilege to witness for those who saw him in action, and his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is a testament to his esteemed reputation in the world of cricket.
He played a crucial role in England's victory over Australia in the 1968 Ashes, taking the last four wickets in just 27 balls. His partnership with wicketkeeper Alan Knott was highly successful for both England and Kent. However, they took a break from their international careers to join Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket in 1977, returning to the international stage after the competition ended in 1979. Underwood's career with England came to an end in 1982 when he joined a team that defied the sporting boycott of South Africa during the Apartheid era.
The passing of Derek Underwood is a great loss to the English cricket community. He was a remarkable spin bowler and his impressive record speaks to his enduring skill and talent. His contributions to Kent and the English game will always be remembered. Our thoughts are with Derek's loved ones and everyone who was touched by his legacy.