Bernard Julien, the former West Indies all-rounder and member of the team that won the inaugural Cricket World Cup in 1975, has died at the age of 75.
Julien played 36 matches for the West Indies across Test and One-Day International formats. He earned 24 Test caps, scoring 866 runs at an average of 30.92, including two centuries, and took 50 wickets at 37.36. In ODIs, he claimed 18 wickets at 25.72.
A left-arm swing bowler known for his smooth delivery and ability to move the ball both ways, Julien was also a composed batsman. His performance in the 1975 World Cup was pivotal: he took 4 for 20 against Sri Lanka, 4 for 27 against New Zealand, and 2 for 38 in the final at Lord’s, where he also contributed an unbeaten 26 to help secure victory over Australia.
Cricket West Indies paid tribute to Julien in a statement: “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.”
Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, reflected on Julien’s legacy: “Bernard Julien was one of the quiet legends of the 1975 World Cup… His skill and composure were central to that victory. He was admired for his calm temperament and thoughtful approach to the game, a player who brought intelligence and integrity to every performance.”
Julien’s international career concluded following his involvement in the controversial tours to South Africa in the early 1980s, during the apartheid era. Cricket West Indies acknowledged the complexity of that period, stating, “The time has come to view that chapter of our history not through exclusion but through understanding.”
In addition to his international career, Julien played county cricket for Kent from 1970 to 1977. He made 179 appearances, taking 336 wickets and scoring 3,296 runs. During his tenure, Kent won seven trophies, including the Gillette Cup, two Benson & Hedges Cups, and a shared County Championship title in his final season.
Kent Cricket also issued a statement: “He was an exciting stroke player and one of the most effective left-arm swing bowlers of his generation. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Bernard’s family and friends at this sad time.”
You can read the full CWI statement on Julien’s passing here: https://www.windiescricket.com/news/statement-on-the-passing-of-legend-bernard-julien-by-dr-kishore-shallow-president-of-cricket-west-indies/
As an unapologetic homer (Dominican to-the-bone), I was sorry to hear the passing of this good servant of West Indies cricket. Truth be told, as a little fella and huge cricket fan back in the 70’s, I viewed Bernard Julien and Keith Boyce of Barbados as nemesis of my local heroes Nobert Phillip and Grayson Shillingford during West Indies selection seasons.
As I grew older and became a bit more fair-minded and less bias, I was able to assess to each player more fairly and equitably regardless of country of origin.
R.I.P sentiments to this elegant former West Indian cricketer whose modest stats of yesteryear would unquestionably make him an instant superstar among today’s also ran West Indies first class players.
I can remember listening to the West Indies playing at home and abroad on my mom’s blue and white transistor radio in the 1970’s, when Bernard Julien was an integral member of the team.
I did hear many years ago that he was battling lung cancer though. Imagine Julian as an all rounder batting at about #7 had an average in the 30’s. This showed the strength of the West Indies then.
Presently the West Indies team does not have even ONE batter, let alone PLAYERS with averages in the 30’s.
May his soul rest in peace.
MEME