Bernard Julien, former West Indies 1975 World Cup winner no more as he passes away at the age of 75 years.
Bernard Julien, West Indies World Cup winner, dies aged 75.
The 75-year-old former West Indies all-rounder Bernard Julien passed away on Saturday in the Northern Trinidad town of Valsayn. He played in 12 ODIs and 24 Test matches for the area and was a member of the 1975 world champions.
Julien scored 4 for 20 against Sri Lanka in the group stage of the first ODI World Cup, which was held 50 years ago. He then went on to score 4 for 27 against New Zealand in the semi-final and made a cameo of 26 off 37 balls against Australia in the final. His reputation as a daring all-rounder, renowned for his spirited fielding, strokeplay, and left-arm seam bowling, was perfectly captured by the competition.
Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd praised Julien as an essential part of the 1975 winners. “He gave you more than 100 % every time. With bat and ball, I could always count on him, and he never shied away from his responsibilities. Every time, he gave it his best. The Trinidad & Tobago Guardian cited Lloyd as stating, “What a fine cricketer.”
At Lord’s, Julien experienced yet another high moment in 1973 when he defeated England by 121 to record his first Test century. The next year, he recorded a five-for against the same opponents.
“We all had total respect for him,” Lloyd said. “He enjoyed himself and was loved by everyone around. I remember we won the Test match at Lords and stood there and signed autographs for a long time, He was good for us and was held in high regard everywhere we went.”
“As we honour Bernard Julien, we also recognise the importance of reflection and inclusion. The time has come to view that chapter of our history not through exclusion but through understanding,” Dr Kishore Shallow, the President of Cricket West Indies, said in an official statement.
“To the family, friends, and loved ones of Bernard Julien, we extend our deepest condolences. His passing reminds us that a life devoted to purpose never truly leaves us. Cricket West Indies stands with you in this moment of loss, and we hope Bernard knew he was valued and loved by the cricketing family he helped to shape, and that he found peace knowing his contribution will always endure.”