The cricket community is filled with sorrow as it says goodbye to Derek Underwood, a highly talented personality, who has sadly passed away at the age of 78. He was a legendary spin bowler and ICC Hall of Famer.
During a career that lasted over 15 years on the international stage, Underwood showcased his talent by playing for England in 86 Test matches and 26 ODIs. He achieved a remarkable feat of taking 297 wickets in Test cricket, which remains the record for the highest number of wickets by a spinner for England and the sixth-highest overall. Throughout his domestic career, Underwood remained loyal to Kent, where he began playing at the age of 17 in 1963.
Underwood, known as “Deadly” among his fellow players, was famous for his agile and flexible left-arm action, which was highly accurate and approached the batsman with the speed and sharpness of a seam bowler.
Throughout his career, Underwood’s exceptional achievements on the international stage were truly remarkable. However, it is his unparalleled success in domestic cricket that truly solidifies his legacy. Playing for Kent, the left-arm spinner managed to secure an impressive 2,465 wickets in 676 first-class matches, in addition to claiming 572 wickets in 411 List-A games. Undoubtedly, his extraordinary accomplishments have firmly established him as one of the all-time greats in the sport of cricket.
Following his retirement from playing, Underwood remained dedicated to the sport he cherished. He took on the role of President at Kent Cricket Club in 2006 and later served as President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 2008, showcasing his unwavering support for the growth and management of the game. Through his guidance and example, Underwood’s impact reached well beyond the confines of the cricket pitch, motivating numerous players and supporters across different generations.
Derek Underwood’s demise signifies the end of an era in English cricket. The influence he had on the sport will resonate for many years to come, as his name will always be remembered in the records of cricketing history. From his unmatched talent on the field to his relentless dedication off it, Underwood’s status as a genuine game icon remains unquestionable.
