Former Australia cricketer Dean Jones passes away in Mumbai

Dean Jones played 52 Tests and scored 3631 runs including 11 centuries, and featured in 164 One-Dayers, racking up 6063 runs, seven centuries and 46 fifties.

Published : Sep 24, 2020 15:57 IST , Mumbai

Dean Jones was in Mumbai to commentate on the Indian Premier League.
Dean Jones was in Mumbai to commentate on the Indian Premier League.
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Dean Jones was in Mumbai to commentate on the Indian Premier League.

Former Australia cricketer Dean Jones passed away in Mumbai on Thursday following a cardiac arrest, at the age of 59. He played 52 Tests and scored 3631 runs including 11 centuries, and featured in 164 One-Dayers, racking up 6063 runs, seven centuries and 46 fifties. Jones was in Mumbai as part of IPL official broadcaster's commentary panel.

He was particularly renowned for his gutsy 210 in the tied Test in Madras in 1986-87, after which he ended up in hospital on a saline drip. Battling through extreme fatigue in energy-sapping conditions, he felt dizzy and vomited, but refused to give in.

READ: Dean Jones credits 1986 India tour for making him a quality player

"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," Star India said in a statement.

Hero to a generation

Earl Eddings, chairman 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.

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“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."

"What a great player and a great bloke. We are shocked and very sad to hear of his passing," said Justin Langer, head coach of the men's cricket team. "Deano was a true legend of Australian sport and world cricket, one of the great players and personalities in a golden time for the game. His role in the team’s World Cup win in 1987 and the 1989 Ashes under AB were a huge turning point for Australian cricket," Langer added.

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