OUR SPIN KING
England bowling magician Derek Underwood dead at 78
CRICKETERS have always hated rain – especially anyone who was playing against Derek Underwood.
England’s greatest ever spin bowler – nicknamed Deadly – was almost unplayable if the wicket was wet.
Derek, who has died aged 78, was a formidable opponent in any conditions, seemingly begrudging every run he conceded.
Describing the cricket legend, veteran sports broadcaster Pat Murphy said: “Relaxed and friendly off the field, a tiger on it.”
Former England allrounder Derek Pringle said: “I once faced him on a ‘turner’ at Folkestone and there was only one ‘deadly Derek’ and it wasn’t me.
“An unassuming England and Kent legend.”
Derek was born in Bromley, Kent, in 1945. His early understanding of the game came from watching his father play club cricket.
Derek soon surpassed his dad’s feats. Two years after taking all 10 wickets in a school match, Derek made his first-class debut for Kent in 1963 aged 17.
He was in the England team by 1966. He went on to play 86 Test matches, taking 297 wickets. Despite some astonishing match-winning efforts, he remained humble.
Asked about his superb bowling against Australia in a Test in 1977 he put it down to “having a pear and orange juice during lunch”.
And in the 2010s when it looked like Graeme Swann was going to overtake him as England’s highest wickettaking spinner, Derek said: “I’d be delighted if he did it and I’d be the first person to shake him by the hand.”
In fact, Derek’s record remains intact.
Derek, who bowled quicker than most other spinners, retired in 1987 aged 42, having played for Kent for 25 years. He won many trophies with the team – including three County Championships – forming a hugely successful partnership with wicketkeeper Alan Knott.
Derek, who was made an MBE in 1981 for services to cricket, later served as Kent CCC president. He was president of Marylebone Cricket Club in 2009, having the honour of taking Elizabeth II on to the field at Lord’s.
Kent CCC chairman Simon Philip said: “Watching Derek weave his unique magic on a wet wicket was a privilege for all who [witnessed] it.
“His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame shows the esteem in which he was held in world cricket.
“An advocate for growing our game worldwide while protecting our sport’s rich heritage, Derek also made substantial contributions off the field.”
Left-arm spinner Derek would have represented England more but for joining World Series Cricket in 1977 and the controversial rebel tour of South Africa in 1982. He wed Dawn Sullivan in 1973 and they had two children, Heather and Fiona.