Tribute to Dean Jones

Australian cricket legend Dean Jones has died of a heart attack aged 59, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.

Born on the 24th of March 1961 in Coburg, Victoria, Jones began his professional cricketing career in the 1980's and rapidly became a star in Green and Gold. He debuted in One Day International Cricket in January 1984, where he faced off against Pakistan. During his 10 years playing One Day cricket, he was regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world. In his One Day matches alone, he scored 6068 runs and averaged over 44 runs a game. Soon after his International debut, Jones earned his Baggy Green cap and made his Test team debut against the West Indies. During his 8-year Test career, Jones compiled 3631 runs and had a top run count of 216. His career high came in 1986 where he posted 210 runs to tie the Test with India. This remains the highest run count by an Australian in India.  

After retiring in 1998, Jones had continued to be involved in cricket as a coach, commentator and cricket writer. Up until his death, Jones was in India as a commentator for the Indian Premier League. Jones was part of the commentary panel for the match on Wednesday but fell ill soon after a pre-match briefing. His mate, and fellow cricket legend, Brett Lee, was with him when he collapsed at the hotel and Lee attempted to revive him with CPR.  Jones was taken by ambulance to a local hospital but sadly, passed away.

Since his death, cricketing legends from around the globe have been posting their tributes to social media. Cricket legends such as David Warner and Sachin Tendulkar expressed their sadness on Twitter.

I can't believe this news. So very sad to hear about this. Rip Deano, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Mc8h36gnWe - David Warner (@davidwarner31) September 24, 2020

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. May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to his loved ones. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/u6oEY1h7zz - Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 24, 2020

Dean Jones was an exciting and energetic cricketer who brought passion to the sport. Cricket fans around the world loved nothing more than being there when Jones was at the crease. The impact he has had on the sport and fans alike was impressive. His death has saddened cricketing hearts around the globe and his contributions to the sport will be thoroughly missed.

Rest in peace Deano.

By Jack Kennedy

Sources:

• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-25/dean-jones-greatest-cricket-moments-ashes-india-worldcup/12700656#:~:text=If%20only%20he%20could%20have,conditions%20in%20Chennai%20in%201986.
• https://www.theroar.com.au/2015/08/19/dean-jones-210-v-india-29-years-on-and-still-an-epic-innings/
• https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29960732/dean-jones-1961-2020-thank-deano-many-moments-memories
• https://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/6044.html
• https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29958649/former-australia-batsman-dean-jones-dies-aged-59
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Jones_(cricketer)#cite_note-Stats-7
• https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/dean-jones-daughter-phoebes-heartbreaking-post-to-late-cricket-legend/news-story/e684c9a0e810088a504befd95befc2f5