Beating the bat: An autobiography - Hardcover

Underwood, Derek

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0091237505 ISBN 13: 9780091237509

Publisher: London : Paul, 1975

Synopsis

This is the story of Derek Underwood's remarkable progress towards becoming one of the most prolific wicket takers in the history of English Test cricket. He has been in the Kent County side since he was 17 and already at the age of 29, he has played in over 50 test matches for England. Derek Underwood has always been a gifted cricketer, but above all he is an example of a winning sportsman who has left his rivals behind by his ability and desire to learn. Bowling left arm spinners at almost medium pace, he is now the most dangerous bowler in the world on anything but the most placid pitch. His length and line are totally controlled and no batsman, however much in form, feels completely at ease against him.

Everyone with the love of the game and aspirations to get to the top flight will associate with Derek Underwood's advance from success at school to the man who paralysed the mighty batting strength of the Australians in the final Test of 1968 and who destroyed Pakistan's hopes in 1974.

The author has much of interest and humour to recount of the great personalities in the world of international cricket over the last ten years. On a more serious level he discusses the merits of the various captains under whom he has played. He tells of the outstanding performances which he has seen or taken part in, the bowling feats which have turned matches inside out.

Derek Underwood is a friendly character and somewhat reserved - toss him a cricket ball and he becomes a relentless professional performer, unusually shrewd with a very pronounced will to win.

[From book dust jacket]

Edition details

• Publisher: London : Paul
• Publication date: 1975
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0091237505
• ISBN 13: 9780091237509
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 175