Derek Underwood: ‘Deadly’ nickname, innocent looks!

​He was nicknamed “Deadly” for his ability to run through side on drying wickets. ​But when you see his 1967 picture on the left, you realise that Derek Underwood ​looked an innocent youth ​at age of 21 –​ far from the nickname he got.​ Picture on the right shows Underwood, 64, during the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s on July 18, 2009. I​t was in this match he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

 
Underwood was one of those bowlers who can bowl at a single spot whole day. He was born in Bromley, Kent, England and became the youngest players to take 100 County Championship wickets in his debut season. He was also one of those five cricketers who took part in Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket during the late 70s.​ He made his debut for England in June 30th in 1966 against West Indies​ and ​ended is ​career ​in February 1982 w​ith ​297 wickets ​from 86 Test​s.

 

​Underwood served as president of Marylebone Cricket Club in the year 2008. In 2004, he ​was selected in the team of England’s greatest Post War XI by the Wisden panel.