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Legendary England cricketer dies aged 78 as emotional tributes pour in

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The star was named England
The star was named England's greatest post-war cricketers

LEGENDARY England cricketer Derek Underwood has died aged 78.

The spinner's death was announced by Kent Cricket, who called him an "icon of the club".

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Cricketing legend Derek Underwood has passed awayCredit: Getty
Underwood took 297 wickets in 86 Tests for England during his career
Underwood took 297 wickets in 86 Tests for England during his careerCredit: Getty
The Marylebone Cricket Club team in 1985. Left to right: Bruce French, Bill Athey, Arnie Sidebottom, David Thomas, Neil Williams and Graeme Fowler, Peter Willey, Derek Underwood, Mark Nicholas, Graham Gooch and Allan Lamb
The Marylebone Cricket Club team in 1985. Left to right: Bruce French, Bill Athey, Arnie Sidebottom, David Thomas, Neil Williams and Graeme Fowler, Peter Willey, Derek Underwood, Mark Nicholas, Graham Gooch and Allan LambCredit: Getty
Underwood pictured here representing England against Pakistan
Underwood pictured here representing England against PakistanCredit: S&G Barratts

Underwood took 297 wickets in 86 Tests for England, and a total of 2,465 first-class wickets in 676 matches.

Kent Cricket chairman Simon Philip today paid tribute to the legend.

He said: "The Kent Cricket family is in mourning following the passing of one of its greatest ever players.

R&B star Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters dies aged 74R&B star Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters dies aged 74

"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 rich 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."

Wisden Cricket also paid their respects to the star in a heartfelt tweet.

They wrote: "Former Kent and England spinner Derek Underwood has sadly passed away at the age of 78.

"He took 297 wickets in 86 Tests for England, and a total of 2,465 first-class wickets in 676 matches. May he rest in peace."

The 78-year-old has been remembered as an 'icon'
The 78-year-old has been remembered as an 'icon'Credit: Allsport - Getty
South Africa batsman Jimmy Cook (left) with England bowler Derek Underwood during the 3rd test match of the Rebel Tour in Durban,March 1982
South Africa batsman Jimmy Cook (left) with England bowler Derek Underwood during the 3rd test match of the Rebel Tour in Durban,March 1982Credit: Getty

Morgan Johnson

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