Cricket World Mourns the Loss of ICC Hall of Famer Derek Underwood

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed profound sorrow over the demise of ICC Hall of Famer, Derek Underwood, who passed away at the age of 78.

ICC Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice, lauded the achievements of the renowned left-arm spinner, recalling him as one of the most precise bowlers in the history of cricket.

Words from ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice

“The news of Derek’s passing is deeply saddening. On behalf of everyone at the ICC, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to one of the true legends of the game,” said Allardice.

“Derek has been one of England’s most successful spin bowlers in Test cricket, and his first-class cricket record is nothing short of legendary. He was particularly lethal on drying wickets with his fastish spin bowling, but demonstrated throughout his lengthy career that he could adapt his pace as needed.”

Underwood claimed 297 wickets in 86 Tests between 1966 and 1982, and took 32 wickets in 26 ODIs. He remained loyal to Kent throughout his career, ending with an impressive tally of 2,465 wickets in 676 first-class matches and 572 wickets in 411 List A matches.

He held the top spot in the retrospective ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings from September 1969 to August 1973. Underwood was among the first 55 inductees into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009. He also served as the President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 2008.