Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.DEADLY by nickname, mild by nature, Derek Underwood, unlike Philip Tufnell, Ian Salisbury and John Emburey, knows what it is like to enjoy a tour of India. The foundations for the most successful Test career among English spinners were laid 30 summers ago, when the Bromley- born left-armer only just 18, had the finest maiden first- class season by a bowler in modern times, taking 101 wickets for Kent.
Three weeks after turning 21 he was purveying a uniquely brisk brand of spin and embarking on a Test career that would reap 86 caps and 297 wickets at 25.83 apiece, statistically the best by any spinner. An unsanctioned tour to South Africa in 1982 confined him to the county ranks, where he served until retiring in 1987 with 2,465 victims, more than anyone in the one-day era.
Now 47 and living in Sevenoaks, Underwood has two teenage daughters and sits on the Kent committee. A director of C Club Surfaces, a company specialising in artificial pitches, he also represents a travel firm offering Test packages. 'I still enjoy being involved in the game. . . I do a little radio but wouldn't mind getting involved more on the media side of things.'
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments