Cricket world gathers to pay respects to Kent and England great Derek Underwood

Underwood, who died last April at the age of 78, remains the most prolific spinner to play Test cricket for England.

By contributor Rory Dollard, PA Cricket Correspondent

Published 3 hours ago

Chris Cowdrey gives a reading at Derek Underwood's memorial service at Canterbury Cathedral. — Chris Cowdrey gave a reading at Derek Underwood’s memorial service at Canterbury Cathedral (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Zak Crawley and Chris Cowdrey were among those to pay their respects to Kent and England great Derek Underwood at a service of thanksgiving at Canterbury Cathedral on Tuesday.

Underwood, who died last April at the age of 78, remains the most prolific spinner to play Test cricket for England, claiming 297 scalps in a remarkable career.

England opener Zak Crawley arriving at Derek Underwood's service of thanksgiving. — England opener Zak Crawley joined some of Kent’s best known names to pay their respects (Gareth Fuller/PA)

A staunch one-club man, ‘Deadly’ represented Kent with pride on more than 900 occasions.

England opener Crawley was among those in attendance at his memorial, while one time England captain Cowdrey spoke at the 45-minute service in tribute.

Derek Underwood Memorial Service – Canterbury Cathedral — The order of service at a memorial service for former England spin bowler Derek Underwood (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Club president vice-admiral Tim Laurence and Underwood’s daughter Heather offered readings, while former team-mate John Shepherd read a poem.

Squad members Joe and Jaydn Denly, Tawanda Muyeye and Chris Benjamin, as well as chief executive Simon Storey and president elect Richard Ellison, were also among the congregation as was England and Wales Cricket Board CEO Richard Gould.