Derek Underwood, the most successful spin bowler in England’s Test cricket history, passed away at the age of 78 on Monday. Underwood used his distinctive brisk left-arm spin to take 297 wickets in 86 Tests and was known to be particularly effective on open pitches during a 24-year first-class career from 1963 to 1987. These courts are used most of the time.
In 1968, he batted on such a surface to help England beat arch-rivals Australia by 7-50 in a Test match at The Oval, when a draw seemed inevitable.
Underwood made his England debut in 1966 at the age of 21 and played his final Test in 1982. Along with the outstanding goalkeeper Alan Knott, he formed a famous combination for Kent and England.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Lethal’, Underwood and Nott might have enjoyed greater success for England had they not played in Kerry Packer’s Cricket World Series in the late 1970s and 1982 They may have had even greater success during their 2016 rebel tour of South Africa.
Even so, Underwood’s Test wicket total is 42 more than the second-highest other England spinner, Graeme Swann.
Following his playing career, Underwood served for a one-year term in 2009 as Chairman of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the owners of London’s Lord’s Cricket Ground. “Derek was an outstanding contributor to Kent and England, winning trophies for the club and his name will forever be etched in the history books,” Kent chairman Simon Phillip said in a club statement. “
“Watching Derek weave his unique magic on a wet wicket was a privilege for all who were able to witness it. His induction into the ICC (International Cricket Council) Hall of Fame demonstrates his place in the world The respect held in the cricketing world.
“Derek was a champion of growing our game on a global scale whilst protecting its rich heritage, he also made a huge contribution off and on the field and he will be deeply missed by everyone at Kent Cricket. “
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