Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Former West Indies all-rounder and 1975 World Cup winner Bernard Julien passed away at the age of 75 in Valsayn, a town in Northern Trinidad. Julien was one of the understated legends of the 1975 World Cup, a tournament that brought immense joy to West Indians 50 years ago as the West Indies team secured the first-ever men’s World Cup title in cricket history.
At the inaugural Men’s ODI World Cup, Julien registered a spell of 4/20 in the group stage game against Sri Lanka before producing 4/27 against New Zealand in the semi-final. He also scored a quick 26 off 37 balls in the final against Australia as his side lifted the cup. The tournament cemented his reputation as a fearless all-rounder, recognised for his left-arm seam bowling, aggressive batting, and energetic fielding.
Clive Lloyd remembered Julien’s heroics and legacy while speaking to the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian, as he said, “He always gave you over 100 per cent. He never shirked his duties, and I could always rely on him with bat and ball. He gave his all every time. What a fine cricketer. We all had total respect for him.”