Deadly: The Life of English International Cricketer Derek Underwood

Mark Peel's latest cricket biography arrives with perfect timing. This first-ever biography of Derek Underwood, written in celebration of English cricket's rich history, reads like a love letter to one of the game's most enigmatic figures. 'Deadly' – a nickname that perfectly captured both Underwood's lethal bowling and his quiet demeanour – takes us deep into the life of a man who rewrote the slow left-arm bowling manual. Peel, with his characteristic attention to detail and access to exclusive interviews, pieces together the fascinating journey of a cricket prodigy who became Kent's youngest ever player at just 17. The biography shines brightest when exploring Underwood's unique bowling style. On rain-affected pitches, he was nearly unplayable, earning a reputation that made batsmen tremble. Peel masterfully breaks down the technical aspects of Underwood's craft – his unusually fast pace for a spinner, the deadly accuracy, and that characteristic shuffling run-up that became his trademark. Perhaps most revealing are the chapters covering Underwood's controversial decisions to join Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket and, later, the rebel tours to South Africa. Peel handles these sensitive subjects with remarkable balance, offering fresh insights into the personal and professional dilemmas that faced cricketers of that era. The book's exploration of Underwood's role in Kent's golden age during the 1970s will particularly delight county cricket aficionados. Through carefully curated anecdotes and teammate testimonials, Peel paints a picture of not just a great bowler but a team man whose contribution went far beyond his 2,465 first-class wickets. Where the biography truly excels is in its portrayal of Underwood the man, rather than just the cricketer. His post-playing career, including his presidency of the MCC, reveals a figure who continued to serve the game long after hanging up his boots. Peel's writing is crisp and engaging, much like his subject's bowling. He avoids the common pitfall of cricket biographies - getting lost in statistics - while still providing enough numbers to satisfy the statisticians. The narrative flows smoothly from Underwood's early days to his current status as an elder statesman of the game. This is essential reading for cricket lovers, offering a definitive account of a player who dominated English cricket for over two decades. It's a fitting tribute to a man whose name became synonymous with mastery over his craft. 
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Published: March 24, 2025
Price: £18.99
Hardback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1801507333
ISBN-13: 978-1801507332
Dimensions: 163 x 243 (mm)