Derek Underwood, renowned for his exceptional spin bowling, dies, leaving a legacy of cricketing greatness
Derek Underwood, the famed slow left-arm spinner from England, has died aged 78. Underwood, affectionately known as ‘Deadly’, was celebrated for his precision and effectiveness on the cricket field, taking a remarkable 297 wickets in his Test career for England between 1966 and 1982. His death marks the end of an era for English and Kent cricket, where he spent his entire domestic career.
Underwood’s career was as illustrious as it was long, playing 86 Tests and capturing 2,465 wickets across 676 first-class matches. His contributions extended beyond the boundaries of the cricket pitch; he was honoured with an MBE in 1981 and served as the president of the Marylebone Cricket Club in 2009. Not just a force in Test cricket, Underwood also made significant impacts in one-day internationals, taking 32 wickets in 26 matches.
Despite his extensive commitments to English cricket, Underwood’s international career faced interruptions. He joined the World Series Cricket in 1977 and participated in the controversial rebel tour of South Africa in 1981-82, which were pivotal moments in his career. His decision to play in South Africa, in particular, was a defiance of the international sporting boycott of the apartheid regime, a move that temporarily paused his career in international cricket.
Simon Philip, the chair of Kent Cricket, expressed deep sorrow over Underwood’s passing, recognizing him as one of Kent’s greatest players. Philip praised Underwood’s “outstanding contributions” to both club and country, highlighting his role in securing trophies and etching an indelible mark in cricket history. Underwood was renowned for his ability to perform under pressure, particularly noted for his spellbinding bowling on wet pitches, a skill that made him a formidable opponent.
In addition to his prowess on the field, Underwood was a staunch advocate for the growth of cricket worldwide while respecting and preserving the sport’s rich heritage. His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009 confirmed the high regard in which he was held in the global cricket community.
Underwood ranks sixth on England’s Test wicket-takers list, surpassing many legendary spinners, including Graeme Swann. His legacy includes numerous memorable performances, such as his pivotal role in England’s victory in the 1968 Ashes at The Oval, where he took the final four Australian wickets in a dramatic close to the match.
His partnerships on the field, particularly with wicketkeeper Alan Knott, were legendary. Both joined the breakaway World Series Cricket, which was a testament to their prominence in the sport. Underwood’s career continued to flourish until his retirement in 1987, marked by his first and only first-class century in 1984.
The England and Wales Cricket Board, through chair Richard Thompson, expressed profound sadness at Underwood’s passing. Thompson honoured Underwood as one of the finest spin bowlers England has ever produced, underscoring his “remarkable record” and enduring skill. The cricket world mourns a giant, whose impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.
