Jim Allen: A Superb Caribbean Batsman
Stalwarts in cricket such as Leroy Coury (now deceased) constantly mentioned Jim Allen’s name. Elquemedo Willett, the 1st Leeward Islander to play for the West Indies Team stated that one of his biggest moments was at Grove Park, Nevis when Nevis played against Montserrat. He recalled that Montserrat boasted one of the strongest teams in the Leewards with the likes of George Allen, Basil Morgan and of course Jim Allen.
Photo: Mike Findlay and Jim Allen on the right
Photo Credit: Justin Griffith
Summary
Charles Henry “Jim” Allen M.B.E, born on August 15, 1951, is a retired cricketer from Montserrat who played at the first-class level. He represented the World Series Cricket West Indies XI and is widely regarded as the greatest sports figure ever to emerge from Montserrat. He debuted for the Montserrat cricket team in the 1969 Leeward Islands Tournament and achieved his maiden century against the St Kitts cricket team at Sturge Park, Montserrat in 1971.
On January 15, 1972, Allen made his mark in the first-class arena, playing for Leeward Islands against Windward Islands in Roseau, where he scored one and 82 runs. Known for his aggressive right-hand batting style characterized by an unorthodox, open-chested, wide-legged stance, Allen often overshadowed even his talented teammate Vivian Richards.
Beyond cricket, Allen pursued a career as a bulldozer driver. He also ventured abroad to England during the northern summer, becoming the first professional sportsman from Montserrat. He played in the Lancashire and Cheshire cricket leagues, with his standout season being 1976/77, during which he amassed 559 first-class runs at an impressive average of 50.81, including a highest score of 150.
After the conclusion of World Series Cricket, Allen came back to the West Indies for the 1978/79 season, during which he achieved his personal best first-class score of 161 against Jamaica. In 1978, Allen received the prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his contributions to cricket.
Upon retiring from the sport, Allen had accumulated a total of 3,067 first-class runs at an average of 34.07. Additionally, he claimed three wickets at an average of 30.00 with his right-arm medium pace bowling and completed 42 catches along with a stumping behind the stumps. Notably, while representing Montserrat, Allen recorded four centuries.
Interview
Where were you born?
I was born in Harris Village, Montserrat.
How and when were you introduced to cricket?
I was introduced to cricket in school around the age of 7 years.
Give us a bit about your background.
I was a batsman and was always anxious to play the game. I love playing cricket. I played with Montserratians like Frank Edwards and Melford Roach who was one of the best fast bowlers of his time. Montserratian cricketers were very outstanding and gave good competition to the other islands.
Is there any cherished memory you would like to share?
Yes. One favourable memory is back in the early 70’s when all islands combined and played in Trinidad.
What is your opinion on cricket when you played, to cricket that is played now?
It’s different now as more money is involved. Back then it was about the competitiveness of cricket and the love of the game.
What does cricket mean to you?
It is a part of me. It is my life.
Has the standard of cricket drop in the West Indies?
Yes because we are losing most of the games.
Who are some of the cricketers that you played with?
I played with and against many for instance Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Michael Holdings, Derrick Moore, Larry Gomes, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, Sylvester Clarke, Keith Boyce and all of the best, past and present.
Jim never made the West Indies Team but played international cricket with distinction, for Kerry Packer West Indies. Mike Findlay, former West Indies wicketkeeper and ex-chairman of the West Indies selection panel in giving tribute to Jim Allen at the lecture series in Montserrat, recollected that “He embarrassed the pundits and pulverized the best bowlers that the region offered.”
FASCINATING FACT:
The 1st Leeward Islands Tournament started in 1913 for the Hesketh Bell Shield. Back then the Leeward Islands Team comprised of Montserrat, Antigua, Dominica and St. Kitts. In the 1930’s Dominica no longer played for the Leewards and in 1949, Nevis became a member of the team.