Deadly

Derek Underwood was one of Kent and England’s finest-ever slow bowlers. In this first-ever biography of Underwood, Mark Peel assesses the qualities that made him such a formidable bowler, the reasons behind his signing for Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket and the England rebel tour of South Africa in 1982, plus much more.

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Deadly is the first-ever biography of Kent and England cricketing legend Derek Underwood. It includes exclusive interviews with friends and team-mates.

From renowned cricket author Mark Peel, winner of the Cricket Society Award and twice shortlisted at the British Sports Book Awards.

This compelling book:



Profiles Underwood as a child prodigy who became the youngest ever bowler to take 100 wickets in a season
Charts his rise to national prominence two years later when he bowled England to victory against Australia at the Oval in the closing minutes, as well as other great feats while playing for his country
Reveals the reasons behind his signing for Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket and the England rebel side to South Africa in 1982 and the controversy that ensued
Examines his unique style of bowling and why he was so destructive on certain types of pitch
Celebrates Underwood’s huge contribution to the great Kent side of the 1970s
Covers Underwood’s committee and charity work in retirement, culminating in his presidency of MCC

Deadly brings you the inside track on Underwood’s life and career, uncovering the secret of his phenomenal success and the endearing qualities that made him such a much-loved figure.