Dean Jones (centre) with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews in background. Photo credit: Dan Andrews Facebook page
Australian cricket and the country’s sporting public are in mourning following the sudden death of legendary batsman, Dean Jones.
Jones, aged 59, died in India on Thursday of a heart attack. He was in the country to commentate on the Indian Premier League that started this week.
His shock passing was announced by Star Sports, the Indian TV network, in a statement.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Mr Dean Mervyn Jones AM,” the network said.
“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.
“Dean Jones was one of the great ambassadors of the game.”
Many prominent sporting greats, political leaders and others have been quick to pay tribute to Dean, who has been hailed one of the batting greats of his generation. In all, he played 52 tests and 164 one-day games for Australia.
“An absolute cricketing legend. A true entertainer at the crease, whose flair with the bat & electric running between the wickets changed the game forever,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
“Dean Jones was the epitome of grit, determination and sheer fight,” said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews in paying tribute to one of Victoria’s favourite sons.
“From Coburg to the Cricket World Cup, he rewrote the rulebook for the one-day game – and should have been picked for many more than his 52 Tests.
“A legend of sport. A legend of this state.”
Sachin Tendulkar, a superstar of Indian cricket, said: “Absolutely heartbreaking news about Dean Jones passing away.
“A wonderful soul taken away too soon. Had the opportunity to play against him during my first tour of Australia.”
Jones had a stellar career for Australia and starred for a decade between 1984 and 1994.
Following his retirement he worked as a coach and also as a commentator. In 2019 he was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.