• Wion
  • /Sports
  • /Derek Underwood, England's most successful Test spinner, passes away at 78

Derek Underwood, England's most successful Test spinner, passes away at 78

Derek Underwood, England's most successful Test spinner, passes away at 78

Derek Underwood, England's most successful Test spinner, passes away at 78

Former England bowler Derek Underwood has died at the age of 78, his former team Kent County Cricket Club said on Monday.

Underwood played 86 test matches for England and took 297 wickets, the country's highest wicket-taking spinner of all time in the format and the sixth highest wicket-taker overall. His 16-year international career included 17 five-wicket hauls.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The retrospective ICC rankings put him as the world's number one bowler for nearly four years between 1969 and 1973.

ALSO READ:Paris Olympics opening ceremony could be moved in case of terror threat, hints Emmanuel Macron

Underwood, born in Kent, played for his local club for 24 years before retiring in 1987 and had 10 seasons where he took 100 or more wickets.

"Watching Derek weave his unique magic on a wet wicket was a privilege for all who were able to witness it," Simon Philip, chair of Kent Cricket, said in a statement.

"His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame shows the esteem in which he was held in world cricket."

Underwood also served as the president of Kent Cricket and the Marylebone Cricket Club after retiring as a player.

"Derek also made substantial contributions off the field as well as on it and he will be sorely missed by everyone at Kent Cricket," Philip added.

About the Author

Gautam Sodhi

Meet Gautam, a seasoned journalist with over eight years of experience in covering the world of sports. I am a self-proclaimed cricket fanatic, having a deep passion for the game a...Read More