It has been announced that England cricket legend Derek Underwood has died at the age of 78.
Kent Cricket confirmed the death of the legendary spinner, who made more than 900 appearances for Kent across three decades.
The left-arm spinner took 2,523 wickets for the county between 1963 and 1987, as well as starring for England.
Underwood played 86 Test matches for England after making his debut against the West Indies at Trent Bridge in 1966.
He took 297 wickets at Test level, making him England’s sixth highest wicket-taker and still the leader in the list.
Former England and Kent bowler Derek Underwood has died aged 78.
Underwood took 10 wickets in a match six times and was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1969.
He was awarded an MBE in 1981 and served as president of Marylebone Cricket Club in 2009.
Underwood was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame the same year.
“The Kent Cricket family is in mourning following the passing of one of its greatest players,” said Ken Cricket Chairman Simon Philip.
‘Derek was an outstanding contributor for both Kent and England, winning trophies for club and country and etching his name into the history books forever.
‘Watching Derek weave his unique magic on a wet wicket was a privilege for all who were able to witness it. His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame shows the esteem in which he was held in world cricket.
“Derek, a champion of growing our game around the world while protecting the rich heritage of our sport, also made substantial contributions both on and off the field, and he will be deeply missed by everyone at Kent Cricket.”