England spin great Derek Underwood dead at 78

The most successful spin bowler in England’s history of Test cricket, Derek Underwood, passed away on Monday at the age of 78, according to a statement from his former county, Kent.

With his trademark fast left-arm spin, Underwood claimed 297 wickets in 86 Test matches. He was especially useful on uncovered surfaces, which were in use for the majority of his 24-year first-class career, which spanned from 1963 to 1987.

On a surface like this, in 1968, he bowled England to a memorable victory against arch-rivals Australia at The Oval, taking 7-50 when a draw had looked certain.

Underwood played his final Test match in 1982 after making his debut for England in 1966 at the age of 21.