Rohan Kanhai 4.71

Situated in the town of Ashington, the former beating heart of the Northumbrian mining industry.

This J D Wetherspoon pub is named after the world-class Guyanese batsman, who was brought in to play for Ashington Cricket Club in the 1964 season. A small but powerful player, Kanhai was one of the West Indies’ leading run-scorers during the 1960s and 70s.

He was selected to play for his national side in 79 test matches, scoring 6,277 runs, including 15 centuries (two against Australia in Adelaide). His test average was 47.53, only a little lower than his 1st class average of 49.29.

Kanhai was brought to Ashington Cricket Club was Charlie Chisholm Senior. He made a fine half-century on his debut, followed by knocks of 55, 80 and 106. By the end of June, the club had risen to second place in the league. In July, Kanhai brought the West Indian test side to Langwell Park for his benefit match. Ashington won the league title that season and the Wilson Cup. Kanhai’s contribution was a record 1,217 averaging 93.62.