DEREK UNDERWOOD | 1945-2024

The Kent Cricket club is experiencing a great loss after the passing of Derek Underwood, who was considered as one of the most important figures in the club's history. He has passed away at the age of 78, leaving a deep sadness behind.

Derek Leslie Underwood was a loyal player who only represented one club. He was born on June 8, 1945, in Bromley, Kent. At the young age of 17, he debuted for the first team against Yorkshire. In his first innings as a first-class cricketer, he managed to take 4-40. He became the talk of the town as the youngest bowler to grab 100 wickets in his first season.

He received Kent Men's Cap number 141 in the year of 1964 because of his outstanding performance in his first year. Additionally, in 1966 he was honored with the title of Cricket Writers' Club Young Cricketer of the Year.

Across a span of thirty years, Derek played for Kent in more than 900 games. From 1963 to 1987, he displayed an outstanding performance by taking 2,523 wickets, with an average of only 19.04.

At the age of only 25, he managed to catch his one thousandth first-class wicket, and completed the feat of taking one hundred wickets in a season ten times. In the year 1966, he impressively took one hundred and fifty-seven wickets. Over four different years, which were 1966, 1967, 1978, and 1979, he was the top bowler in England.

As reported by Wisden, Derek, a player for Kent, was given the moniker "Deadly" by his teammates due to his outstanding performance on pitches that were affected by rain. His accuracy and relatively fast speed - particularly when the ball had a strong bite - were exceptional for a left-arm spinner. When given favorable conditions, Kent could almost always expect Derek to single-handedly take down a large number of opposing players.

Derek played for his country in 86 Test matches, starting with his first game against the West Indies at Trent Bridge in July 1966. He successfully took 297 wickets for England with an average of 25.83. Derek is currently ranked as England's sixth-most successful wicket-taker in Test cricket history and remains the best spinner in the list.

During the rise of shorter versions of the game in One-Day International cricket, this player with a left-arm bowling style participated in 26 matches. They were able to take a total of 32 wickets at an average of 22.93.

In 1968, this talented player delivered an impressive victory for England during the Ashes Test against Australia at The Oval. With only six minutes remaining in the game, he made his fourth wicket in just 27 balls, securing a 226-point win that brought the series to a draw. Despite a momentary setback caused by a heavy rainstorm during the last four hours of the match, which left only 75 minutes of playtime, this player shone brightly and was hailed as one of the most outstanding cricketers of his era. In recognition of his stellar performance, he was awarded the prestigious Wisden Cricketer of the Year title in 1969.

Based on the ICC Men's Test Bowler rankings in hindsight, Derek Underwood held the top spot globally from September 1969 to August 1973.

In 1973, during a game in Hastings, Underwood played brilliantly and led his team to victory by taking 8 wickets for only 9 runs. This remarkable feat was achieved after the Kent team helped the Fire Brigade clean up a flooded pitch without their shoes on. Underwood was known for his precision, understanding of the game, and endurance, making him a valuable asset to any captain who had the pleasure of having him on their team.

He was given two seasons of benefits at Kent Cricket for his exceptional contributions to the Club, one in 1975 and the other in 1986. Additionally, he was recognized for his services to cricket and was bestowed with an MBE in the New Year Honours list of 1981.

After a successful career as a Kent cricketer, Derek hung up his boots in 1987. During his time on the pitch, he managed to secure three County Championships, two One-Day Cups, three National Leagues, and three Benson & Hedges Cups.

In 2008, he received the title of President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) after being the President of Kent Cricket Club in 2006. He also became a member of the ICC's Cricket Hall of Fame a year later, in 2009.

The 'Underwood & Knott Stand' at The Spitfire Ground St Lawrence was given a new name in 2011 as a tribute to the achievements of Derek Underwood for the county and acknowledging the meaningful collaboration he shared with another legend of the Club, Alan Knott.

Simon Philip, the Chair of Kent Cricket expressed his deepest sympathy for the loss of one of its most enduring players. The passing of this individual has left the Kent Cricket community grieving.

Derek made remarkable contributions to Kent and England, earning trophies for his teams and leaving an everlasting mark on history.

It was an absolute honor for anyone who had the opportunity to witness Derek's exceptional skills on a damp pitch. His admission to the ICC Hall of Fame is a testament to the high regard he held amongst the international cricket community.

Derek was a supporter of expanding the popularity of cricket across the globe, while also ensuring that the sport's diverse history is preserved. In addition to his accomplishments on the field, he also had notable contributions outside of it. His absence is deeply felt by all members of Kent Cricket.

Kent Cricket organization expresses their condolences to the friends and family of Derek during this unfortunate period.