Absolutely gutted to read this news. My Dad, Grandad and I loved watching him bowl, a true legend in every sense of the word! The absolute epitome of a professional cricketer and genuinely nice guy. RIP Deadly, thank you for great memories x
An absolute master of his craft. His work with Alan Knott could at times be almost mesmeric. Separately and In unison they served each other, the county, the country, cricket itself and us so very, very well. Thank you. Rest in peace Derek
So sad, RIP. I was brought up being mesmerised by his bowling achievements. If my memory serves me right, Derek made his debut against the great West Indian side whilst Kent were playing that day at Blackheath.
So many memories of Deadly and Knotty - with it just be a few days after my dad's 20th anniversary, who got me in to cricket (and Charlton despite him being from Edinburgh!) and so many memories of watching Kent and England, especially Underwood and Knott, it has brought more than one tear to my eye.
I remember one day we were having lunch somewhere in central London (early to mid 70's I think and it might have been The Strand Palace) and as both were wanting to know the uptodate scores, we were by a fax (?) machine/vidiprinter and there was the Reuters news. A piece of paper came out reporting he'd taken a wicket, then another, then another. I think he took 9 or 10 wickets in only a few hours. Well that's how I remember it anyway
Absolute legend. I had the pleasure of umpiring him in one game in his dotage, but he still put the ball exactly where he wanted. I toured Australia with him three times, and West Indies once, and he was such a gentleman. He told excellent stories and other cricket legends made a bee-line for him as they knew he was such good company. He has two lovely daughters, who were teenagers during the WI tour, and his wife Dawn was lovely too. RIP Deadly
I fondly recall as a young kid getting his autograph down at Folkestone on the day Mike Denness was appointed England Capt, and well remember his amazingly deep voice. Almost dropped my ice cream I was so excited.
And very fortunate to meet him again 10 years ago or so during Canterbury week when dear Derek Ufton kindly introduced me.
The 2 great Dereks of Kent - both great sportsmen and both great men.
So much a part of my childhood. Remember my grandad telling me how confused he'd been listening to the test match score being read out ... caught not bowled Underwood, caught not bowled Underwood etc etc. RIP Deadly
I saw him take 6/12 in a Sunday League match at Hastings back in 84. The match was also memorable for a female spectator running on to the pitch and planting a kiss on umpire Dicky Bird. He also recorded his maiden century with the bat in the County Championship match which took place either side of that Sunday, as was common practice at the time.
He was indeed a deadly bowler - no doubt, ANY batsmen in the world back in the day, who looked at the wicket, saw it was as track that was perfect for Derek, would have been thinking ‘bugger’
I met him briefly many years ago - lovely man - but ruthless with ball in hand
I am not much of a cricket fan but my Dad was and remember that he would always get immense pleasure from listening and watching the cricket on both TV and radio.
One of the names I remember hearing was Underwood.
My first match was at Lords against Pakistan in 74. After waiting ages outside with me Dad we were finally let in as the pitch has past inspection. Of course deadly Derek cleaned up the Pakistan batting I think water has seeped under the covers. I even saw myself on telly when they showed the wickets on the news that night. One thing I remember watching him side on later in the John Player was how fast he bowled. RIP Derek
A name from my childhood as my old man was a cricket nut - long summer days indoors squinting at test matches on a fuzzy black and white telly with the curtains shut, so weak was the picture. Apparently my mother once danced with Derek Underwood, mention of which always seemed to slightly annoy my father.
Comments
RIP Deadly, thank you for great memories x
My condolences to his family and friends.
I remember one day we were having lunch somewhere in central London (early to mid 70's I think and it might have been The Strand Palace) and as both were wanting to know the uptodate scores, we were by a fax (?) machine/vidiprinter and there was the Reuters news. A piece of paper came out reporting he'd taken a wicket, then another, then another. I think he took 9 or 10 wickets in only a few hours. Well that's how I remember it anyway
I fondly recall as a young kid getting his autograph down at Folkestone on the day Mike Denness was appointed England Capt, and well remember his amazingly deep voice. Almost dropped my ice cream I was so excited.And very fortunate to meet him again 10 years ago or so during Canterbury week when dear Derek Ufton kindly introduced me.
The 2 great Dereks of Kent - both great sportsmen and both great men.
They'll love exchanging anecdotes again up there.
RIP Deadly
Great cricketer.
Such a hero of mine. RIP and rise in glory.
He was indeed a deadly bowler - no doubt, ANY batsmen in the world back in the day, who looked at the wicket, saw it was as track that was perfect for Derek, would have been thinking ‘bugger’
I met him briefly many years ago - lovely man - but ruthless with ball in hand
Kent and England legend
One thing I remember watching him side on later in the John Player was how fast he bowled.
RIP Derek
RIP Derek.
RIP
RIP