Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones passed away in Mumbai. He was in India as a part of Star Sports expert panel for IPL 2020
Mumbai: Former Australian batsman Dean Jones passed away in Mumbai on Thursday (September 24) due to a massive heart attack. He was 59.
From Twitter: Tributes pour in from cricketers for Dean Jones
Jones was in Mumbai to give his expert comments on the ongoing IPL 2020. He was with Star Sports commentary team.
He played 52 Tests and 164 ODIs for Australia. He made his Test debut in 1984 and played his last Test in 1992. After retirement, he was involved in coach, commentary. He was a regular visitor to India to share his views on the game on TV. He was fondly known as "Professor Deano".
In a statement, Star India said, "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Mr. Dean Mervyn Jones AM. He died of a sudden cardiac arrest. We express our deep condolences to his family and stand ready to support them in this difficult time. We are in touch with the Australian High Commission to make the necessary arrangements."
It added, "Dean Jones was one of the great ambassadors of the game associating himself with Cricket development across South Asia. He was passionate about discovering new talent and nurturing young Cricketers. He was a champion commentator whose presence and presentation of the game always brought joy to millions of fans. He will be sorely missed by everyone at Star and his millions of fans across the globe. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Earl Eddings, Chair of Cricket Australia, said Jones would be sorely missed by cricket fans around the world.
“Dean Jones was a hero to a generation of cricketers and will forever be remembered as a legend of this great game,” Eddings said.
“Anyone who watched cricket in the 1980s and 1990s will fondly recall his cavalier approach at the crease and the incredible energy and passion he brought to every game he played. Although many remember him for his brilliance in the 50-over game, arguably Jones’ finest moment in the national team came in scorching conditions in Chennai in 1986, where his selfless and courageous innings of 210 helped Australia to a famous tie against India.
“Jones remained an immensely popular figure in Australian and Victorian cricket throughout his life and was a much-loved columnist and commentator in every corner of the cricketing world.
“This is a truly sad day. Deano’s loss will be felt not just at home in Australia, but across the globe. Our thoughts and best wishes are with his wife Jane and daughters Isabella and Phoebe.”
In a statement, Cricket Australia said, "Jones represented Australia in 52 Tests and 164 One-Day Internationals and won admirers the world over with his dashing shot-making and superb fielding. He was also a stalwart of Victorian cricket during the 1980s and 1990s and retired as the state’s leading first-class run-scorer.
"Jones went on to become a highly-regarded coach and commentator. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 for his services to cricket and charity and was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2019."