Underwood to become MCC president

Derek Underwood, the former England spinner, is set to become the next president of MCC and will take over from Mike Brearley on October 1. Underwood steps into the role 40 years after he first became an MCC member.

Underwood, 62, played 86 Tests from 1966 to 1982 and in a first-class career spanning 25 seasons he racked up a remarkable 676 appearances. The leading slow bowler in the country for two decades, Underwood's left-arm spin - often delivered at close to medium pace - brought him 297 Test wickets at 25.83.

He debuted for Kent aged 17 and had such an immediate impact that he was the youngest player to collect 100 wickets in his first season. His 1951 wickets for Kent made him the third most successful bowler in their history.

Underwood was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1969 and since his retirement he has stayed involved in the game. He became an honorary life member of MCC in 1993 and was Kent's president in 2006.

Brearley named his successor at Lord's during MCC's annual general meeting and he said Underwood would be a great asset to the club as president. "He was a distinguished cricketer and has since worked hard within cricket administration," Brearley said. "He is a gentle man, conscientious and considerate, but also tough."