Derek Underwood, a spin legend from Kent and England, passed away at the age of 78.
After making his debut against the West Indies at Trent Bridge in July 1966, Underwood played 86 Test matches for his nation, taking 297 wickets at an average of 25.83. He remains the top spinner in Test cricket and England’s sixth-highest wicket-taker.
Throughout his first-class career, Underwood played for Kent, making over 900 appearances for the team since his 17-year-old debut. From 1963 to 1987, he amassed 2523 wickets at an average of slightly over 19, and in the first season, he became the youngest player to reach 100. At the age of 25, he claimed his 1000th first-class wicket. He also claimed 100 wickets in a season ten times, most famously in 1966 with 157. In England, he was the top bowler four times: in 1966, 1967, 1978, and 1979.
Retrospective ICC Men’s Test Bowler rankings show that from September 1969 to August 1973, Derek Underwood held the top spot in the world rankings.
Underwood represented England in two World Cups (1975 and 1982) and garnered 26 caps in one-day international cricket (ODI) between 1973 and 1982. In the 50 overs format, he has claimed 32 wickets at a strike rate of 22.93.
In 1981, Underwood received an MBE for his services to cricket as part of the New Year’s Honours list. As a Kent cricketer, he won three County Championships, two One-Day Cups, three National Leagues, and three Benson & Hedges Cups before quitting the sport in 1987. After serving as Kent Cricket’s Club President in 2006, he was inducted into the ICC’s Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009 and became President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 2008.
“The Kent Cricket family is in mourning following the passing of one of its greatest ever players,” stated Simon Philip, chair of the organization.
“Derek made a significant contribution to Kent and England, taking home awards for his club and nation and leaving his mark on history for all time.
“It was an honor for everyone who could see Derek perform his special magic on a wet pitch. The respect he was shown in the world of cricket is demonstrated by his admission into the ICC Hall of Fame.
“An advocate for growing our game worldwide whilst protecting our sport’s rich heritage, Derek also made substantial contributions off the field as well as on it, and he will be sorely missed by everyone at Kent Cricket.”
