Derek Underwood, probably the most prolific spin bowler in England’s Test history, has died on the age of 78.
Underwood, affectionately generally known as ‘Deadly’, claimed 297 scalps in 86 Test appearances along with his brisk left-arm spin, in addition to one other 32 in ODIs.
Generally known as a master of damp, uncovered pitches, the Kent stalwart first played for his country as a 21-year-old in 1966 and made his final appearance in 1982.
His record tally would have been even higher had it not been for his decision to play in Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket and the primary rebel tour of South Africa, but he still sits 42 wickets ahead of his nearest rival amongst spinners, Graeme Swann.
In an announcement paying homage to Underwood’s achievements, England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson said: “It’s all the time a tragic day when a fantastic of the English game passes away. Derek Underwood will likely be remembered as certainly one of the best spin bowlers this country has ever produced and his remarkable record is testament to his enduring skill.
“To at the present time, there’ll still be the odd mention of Derek Underwood when conditions, especially in club cricket, develop into damp and maybe suited to some accurate and pacey spin, and there’s no greater legacy than remaining a part of the sport long after you’ve finished playing. Our thoughts are with Derek’s family and friends, everyone at Kent CCC, and everybody who knew and loved him.”
A one-club man, Underwood played over 900 times for Kent across three a long time and claimed a staggering 2,523 wickets along the best way.
“The Kent Cricket family is in mourning following the passing of certainly one of its biggest ever players,” said chair Simon Phillip.
“Derek was an impressive contributor to each Kent and England, winning trophies for club and country and etching his name within the history books forevermore.
“Watching Derek weave his unique magic on a wet wicket was a privilege for all who were in a position to witness it. His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame shows the esteem wherein he was held in world cricket.
“An advocate for growing our game worldwide whilst protecting our sport’s wealthy heritage, Derek also made substantial contributions off the sphere in addition to on it, and he will likely be sorely missed by everyone at Kent Cricket.”
Former England captain Michael Atherton feels Underwood could be “held to be England’s best spinner”, albeit having played under different conditions to the trendy game.
“On pitches that were drying, from wet to dry, he was said to be near unplayable,” Atherton told Sky Sports.
“You’re thinking that of spinners being quite slow and flighty, but due to the conditions that were pertained on the time, particularly the uncovered pitches, he was someone who had quite a protracted run-up and bowled in sort of a cutter fashion.
“You speak to someone like Ian Chappell, who would have played against him within the Ashes as an Australian batter and he would say Derek Underwood was amongst probably the most difficult bowlers that he played against.
“He was very hard to get down the pitch to because he bowled so quickly, so that you sort of felt pinned and hemmed to the crease.”
Atherton added: “He’s top of the list by way of leading wicket-takers and I believe generally he could be held to be England’s best spinner.
“(It was) different conditions, (he was) a unique variety of bowler to someone like Graeme Swann, but should you consider England’s all-time spinners in Test cricket, he is correct near the highest of the tree.”
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