Derek Underwood: Unveiling The Secrets Of A Legendary Bowler

Derek Underwood is a former English cricketer who played for Kent and England.

Underwood was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who took 297 wickets in 86 Test matches for England. He also played in 26 One Day Internationals, taking 41 wickets. Underwood was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1973.

Underwood was born in Sheerness, Kent, and made his first-class debut for Kent in 1964. He quickly established himself as one of the best bowlers in the country, and was selected to play for England in 1966. Underwood played for England for over a decade, and was a key member of the team that won the Ashes in 1970/71 and 1972/73.

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Derek Underwood

Derek Underwood is a former English cricketer who played for Kent and England. He was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who took 297 wickets in 86 Test matches for England.

• Birthplace: Sheerness, Kent
• First-class debut: 1964
• Test debut: 1966
• Last Test: 1978
• Wickets in Tests: 297
• One Day Internationals: 26
• Wickets in ODIs: 41
• Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 1973

Underwood was a key member of the England team that won the Ashes in 1970/71 and 1972/73. He was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who was known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways. Underwood was also a useful batsman, scoring over 5,000 runs in first-class cricket.

Birthplace

Derek Underwood was born in Sheerness, Kent, a town on the Isle of Sheppey. Sheerness is a former naval port and dockyard town, and it is likely that Underwood's upbringing in a maritime environment influenced his development as a cricketer. The town has a strong cricketing tradition, and Underwood would have had access to good coaching and facilities from a young age.

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Sheerness is also located in a part of Kent that has produced many other famous cricketers, including Colin Cowdrey, Bob Willis, and Mark Butcher. This suggests that there may be something about the environment in Kent that is conducive to producing good cricketers.

Whatever the reason, Derek Underwood's birthplace has undoubtedly played a significant role in his cricketing career. He is one of the most successful English bowlers of all time, and he is still revered by cricket fans in Kent and around the world.

First-class debut

Derek Underwood made his first-class debut for Kent in 1964. This was a significant moment in his career, as it marked the beginning of his journey to becoming one of the most successful English bowlers of all time.

• Early promise: Underwood showed great promise as a young cricketer, and his first-class debut was a chance for him to prove himself at the highest level. He did not disappoint, taking 5 wickets in the match.
• Stepping stone to international cricket: Underwood's successful first-class debut paved the way for him to be selected for the England team. He made his Test debut in 1966, and went on to play 86 Tests for his country.
• A long and successful career: Underwood's first-class debut in 1964 was the start of a long and successful career. He played first-class cricket for over 20 years, and took over 2,000 wickets.
• Inspiration for young cricketers: Underwood's success as a cricketer has been an inspiration to many young cricketers. His story shows that it is possible to achieve great things if you have talent, dedication, and hard work.

Underwood's first-class debut in 1964 was a landmark moment in his career. It was the start of a journey that would see him become one of the most successful English bowlers of all time.

Test debut

Derek Underwood's Test debut in 1966 was a significant moment in his career. It was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it marked the beginning of his journey to becoming one of the most successful English bowlers of all time.

• A dream come true: For any cricketer, making their Test debut is a dream come true. It is the pinnacle of the sport, and it is a testament to Underwood's talent and hard work that he was able to achieve this at the age of just 22.
• A sign of things to come: Underwood's Test debut was a sign of things to come. He took 5 wickets in the match, and he went on to become one of the most successful English bowlers of all time. He took 297 wickets in 86 Tests, and he was a key member of the England team that won the Ashes in 1970/71 and 1972/73.
• An inspiration to young cricketers: Underwood's Test debut is an inspiration to young cricketers all over the world. It shows that it is possible to achieve great things if you have talent, dedication, and hard work.

Underwood's Test debut in 1966 was a landmark moment in his career. It was the start of a journey that would see him become one of the most successful English bowlers of all time.

Last Test

Derek Underwood's last Test match was in 1978. This marked the end of a long and successful career for one of England's greatest bowlers.

• A successful career: Underwood played 86 Tests for England, taking 297 wickets. He was a key member of the England team that won the Ashes in 1970/71 and 1972/73.
• A difficult decision: Retiring from international cricket is always a difficult decision, but Underwood felt that it was the right time to step down. He was 34 years old and had been playing Test cricket for over 10 years.
• A lasting legacy: Underwood's legacy as one of England's greatest bowlers is secure. He was a skilled and successful bowler who played a major role in England's success in the 1970s.

Underwood's last Test match in 1978 was a fitting end to a long and successful career. He is one of England's greatest bowlers, and his legacy will continue to inspire young cricketers for generations to come.

Wickets in Tests

Derek Underwood took 297 wickets in 86 Test matches for England, making him one of the most successful English bowlers of all time. His wicket-taking ability was a key factor in England's success in the 1970s, when they won the Ashes twice.

• Accuracy and swing: Underwood was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who was known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways. This made him a difficult bowler to face, as batsmen could never be sure which way the ball would move.
• Consistency: Underwood was also a very consistent bowler, who was able to bowl long spells without losing his accuracy. This meant that he could put pressure on batsmen over a long period of time.
• Big match temperament: Underwood was a big match player who always seemed to raise his game when it mattered most. He took some of his best wickets in Ashes matches and other important fixtures.

Underwood's 297 Test wickets is a testament to his skill and dedication. He was one of the best bowlers in the world during his era, and he played a major role in England's success.

One Day Internationals

Derek Underwood played in 26 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for England, taking 41 wickets. ODIs are a relatively new format of cricket, having only been introduced in the 1970s, but they have quickly become one of the most popular formats of the game.

Underwood was a key member of the England team that won the first ever ODI World Cup in 1975. He took 10 wickets in the tournament, including 4 wickets in the final against Australia.

Underwood's success in ODIs is a testament to his all-round skills as a cricketer. He was a skilful bowler who could take wickets with both pace and swing, and he was also a useful batsman who could score valuable runs down the order.

Underwood's contribution to England's success in ODIs should not be underestimated. He was a key member of the team that won the first ever World Cup, and he continued to be a valuable member of the team for many years after.

Wickets in ODIs

Derek Underwood took 41 wickets in 26 ODIs for England. This is a significant achievement, as ODIs are a relatively new format of cricket, having only been introduced in the 1970s. Underwood's success in ODIs is a testament to his all-round skills as a cricketer.

• Accuracy and swing: Underwood was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who was known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways. This made him a difficult bowler to face, as batsmen could never be sure which way the ball would move.
• Consistency: Underwood was also a very consistent bowler, who was able to bowl long spells without losing his accuracy. This meant that he could put pressure on batsmen over a long period of time.
• Big match temperament: Underwood was a big match player who always seemed to raise his game when it mattered most. He took some of his best wickets in Ashes matches and other important fixtures.
• Adaptability: ODIs are a different format to Test cricket, and Underwood was able to adapt his bowling style to suit the shorter format. He was able to bowl with more pace and aggression in ODIs, and he was also more willing to experiment with different deliveries.

Underwood's success in ODIs is a testament to his skill and dedication. He was one of the best bowlers in the world during his era, and he played a major role in England's success in both Test cricket and ODIs.

Wisden Cricketer of the Year

Derek Underwood was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1973. This was a significant achievement, as it recognized his outstanding performances for England during the previous year.

Underwood had a remarkable 1972 season. He took 120 wickets in all competitions, including 53 wickets in Test matches. He was the leading wicket-taker in both the County Championship and the Gillette Cup, and he was also named the PCA Player of the Year.

Underwood's success in 1972 was due to a combination of factors. He was a highly skilled bowler, with a good command of both pace and swing. He was also a very consistent performer, and he was able to maintain his high level of performance throughout the season.

Underwood's selection as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year was a fitting tribute to his outstanding achievements in 1972. It is also a reminder of the high esteem in which he was held by his fellow cricketers and the wider cricketing community.

FAQs About Derek Underwood

Derek Underwood is a former English cricketer who played for Kent and England. He was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who took 297 wickets in 86 Test matches for England.

Question 1: What was Derek Underwood's bowling style?

Answer: Underwood was a left-arm fast-medium bowler. This means that he bowled with his left arm, and he bowled at a medium pace.

Question 2: How many wickets did Derek Underwood take in Test matches?

Answer: Underwood took 297 wickets in 86 Test matches for England.

Question 3: Was Derek Underwood a Wisden Cricketer of the Year?

Answer: Yes, Underwood was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1973.

Question 4: What was Derek Underwood's highest score in a Test match?

Answer: Underwood's highest score in a Test match was 98, which he scored against Australia in 1972.

Question 5: How many One Day Internationals did Derek Underwood play for England?

Answer: Underwood played in 26 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for England, taking 41 wickets.

Question 6: When did Derek Underwood make his Test debut?

Answer: Underwood made his Test debut for England in 1966.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought: Derek Underwood was one of the most successful English bowlers of his generation. He was a skilled and consistent bowler who played a major role in England's success in the 1970s.

Transition to the next article section: Derek Underwood's career is a testament to the hard work and dedication required to succeed at the highest level of cricket.

Tips from Derek Underwood

Derek Underwood is a former English cricketer who played for Kent and England. He was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who took 297 wickets in 86 Test matches for England.

Tip 1: Practice regularly.

The more you practice, the better you will become at bowling. Underwood practiced for hours every day, and it showed in his performances on the field.

Tip 2: Develop a good technique.

A good bowling technique is essential for accuracy and consistency. Underwood had a smooth, rhythmic action that allowed him to bowl with great control.

Tip 3: Keep your fitness up.

Bowling is a physically demanding activity, so it is important to stay fit. Underwood was a very fit cricketer, and he was able to bowl long spells without losing his accuracy.

Tip 4: Study the batsmen.

The better you understand the batsmen you are bowling to, the more likely you are to get them out. Underwood studied the batsmen he bowled to, and he knew their strengths and weaknesses.

Tip 5: Stay positive.

There will be times when you get hit for runs, but it is important to stay positive. Underwood never gave up, and he always believed that he could get the next batsman out.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

By following these tips, you can improve your bowling skills and become a more successful cricketer.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

Derek Underwood is one of the most successful English bowlers of all time. By following his tips, you can learn from his experience and improve your own bowling.

Conclusion

Derek Underwood is one of the most successful English bowlers of all time. He played 86 Tests for England, taking 297 wickets, and was a key member of the team that won the Ashes in 1970/71 and 1972/73.

Underwood was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who was known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways. He was also a very consistent bowler, who was able to bowl long spells without losing his accuracy.

Underwood's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He was a gifted cricketer, but he also worked hard to improve his skills. He is an inspiration to young cricketers all over the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.