24 September,2020 04:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Former Australian batsman Dean Jones. Picture: AFP
Former Australian batsman and cricket commentator Dean Jones passed away in Mumbai on Thursday after suffering a heart attack. Jones (59) was in Mumbai as part of the Star Sports commentary panel for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) being held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"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," Star India confirmed in a statement.
Dean Jones played 52 Tests for Australia, scoring 3,631 runs at an average of 46.55 with 11 centuries and 14 fifties. In 164 ODIs, Jones scored 6,068 runs at 44.61 with seven tons and 46 fifties. In 1986, playing against India in Chennai, Dean Jones battled exhaustion and heat to make a memorable double century in an epic Test match that ended in a tie.
Dean Jones was also part of the Australian team that lifted the 1987 World Cup held in India and Pakistan. After retiring from international cricket, Jones became a renowned commentator commentating in cricket tournaments across the world.
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Cricket Australia, took to their official micro-blogging site to share the tragic news and posted a video of his batting feat
Current cricketers and ex-players took to Twitter to pay tribute to the former Aussie-legend soon after news of his death broke. Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter to express grief over the sudden demise of the Australian cricketer.
India skipper Virat Kohli said he was shocked and prayed for strength and courage to his family and friends
Australian batsman Steve Smith said "Awful to hear the news of Dean Jones passing away in Mumbai. He was a wonderful player for Australia and he will be missed. My thoughts are with his family. RIP Deano,"
Star India's official statement
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.
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.
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