Tributes paid to legendary Kent and England spinner Derek Underwood after his death, aged 78

Kent Cricket is in mourning after the death of one of the club’s icons.

Former England and Kent spinner Derek Underwood has died, aged 78, sparking tributes from across the county, the country and, indeed, globally.

“The Kent Cricket family is in mourning following the passing of one of its greatest-ever players,” said chairman Simon Phillip as Kent announced his death on Monday.

“Derek was an outstanding contributor to both Kent and England, winning trophies for club and country - and etching his name in the history books forevermore.

“Watching Derek weave his unique magic on a wet wicket was a privilege for all who were able to witness it.

“His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame shows the esteem in which he was held in world cricket.

“An advocate for growing our game worldwide whilst protecting our sport’s heritage, Derek also made substantial contributions off the field as well as on it, and he will be sorely missed by everyone at Kent Cricket.”

Mr Underwood made his first-team Kent debut against Yorkshire in 1963, aged 17. He finished his first innings as a first-class cricketer with figures of 4-40.

He went onto become the youngest bowler to take 100 wickets in his initial season.

He was awarded Kent men’s cap number 141 in 1964 on the back of his achievements in his debut year and was named the Cricket Writers Club Young Cricketer-of-the-Year in 1966.

Mr Underwood made more than 900 appearances for Kent across three decades, from 1963 until 1987, taking a remarkable 2,523 wickets at an average of 19.04.

He captured his 1,000th first-class wicket, aged just 25 - and took 100 wickets in a season 10 times, notably 157 in 1966.

Bromley-born Mr Underwood was the leading bowler in England on four occasions in 1966,