Former Australian cricket legend and a well-known cricket commentator Dean Jones has died of a massive heart attack. Jones was part of the Star Sports commentary team and was in a bio-secure bubble in a seven-star hotel in Mumbai.
This has come as a big shock for the cricketing world as Dean Jones is one of the great players of the game and his passing away has left a huge void.
Dean Jones played 52 Tests and 164 ODIs for Australia during an international career which spanned 8 years between 1984 and 1992. He scored 3631 runs in red-ball cricket at an average of 46.55 with 11 hundred and 14 half-centuries.
Star India, in its official statement, 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.
“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.”
Cricketers, former cricketers, pundits, and fans are in grief and paying their tributes to Dean Jones.
We are extremely shocked and sad to learn of the untimely demise of Mr. Dean Jones. His energy and enthusiasm for the game will be truly missed. Our thoughts with his family, friends and his followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/gAAagImKeC
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) September 24, 2020
No, Deano. No. I am speechless. And in shock. And refusing to accept.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 24, 2020
Everyone has stories to tell of Deano. Always wonderful to talk to, always provocative and one of the great lovers of cricket. In grief. https://t.co/vwR0Rvlj6o
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 24, 2020
Saddened to hear the news of Dean Jones passing away. Still cannot believe it. Was one of my favourite commentators, he was on air in many of my landmarks. Had really fond memories with him. Will miss him. pic.twitter.com/FZBTqIEGdx
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 24, 2020
Absolutely devastated to hear about the demise of Dean Jones. A colossal loss to the cricketing community. His connection to Chepauk will always be cherished. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/mDHO0d76d0
— Chennai Super Kings – Mask P?du Whistle P?du! (@ChennaiIPL) September 24, 2020
Only a few months ago Dean Jones emailed me asking for some footage of a few of his 100’s for Australia, I was so happy to stay up all night editing it all as fast as I could, sent it to him, he was so happy.
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— Rob Moody (@robelinda2) September 24, 2020
Tragic news coming from Mumbai: one of the real personalities of cricket and commentary, the Aussie who played that unforgettable innings in Chennai in 1986, Dean Jones has passed away. Loved him on air and at the crease. Saw him last night on @StarSportsIndia RIP.
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 24, 2020
https://twitter.com/shubham_jain999/status/1309082867633397762
Shocked beyond words,just yesterday saw him do a great piece during the game b/w MI & KKR – this year 2020!! #DeanJones
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) September 24, 2020
At a loss of words to express my grief at the passing of a man who I admired a lot. Loved chatting cricket with him. Genuinely loved the sport. 59 is not an age to go….too soon my friend. Too soon. World of cricket will be poorer in your absence. R.I.P., Deano.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 24, 2020
My sincere condolences to Dean Jones’ family, friends and fans. It’s a big loss for the game of cricket. He was a true lover of the game. Rest in peace, Prof. Deano.
— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) September 24, 2020
I join millions of cricket fans in paying tribute to Dean Jones. Gone too soon. 59 is no age to go. Sad sad day.
— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) September 24, 2020
Shocked to hear about the tragic loss of Dean Jones. Praying for strength and courage to his family and friends. ??
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 24, 2020
Dean Jones was my hero throughout my entire teens. He was the soundtrack of my summer. The swagger, the quick singles, the swashbuckling heroics. Then the outrage as the tried to find a way back into the Test side. When Deano was batting, you didn’t dare miss a single ball… pic.twitter.com/QrkaR7QZx3
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) September 24, 2020
I’m deeply shocked and saddened by the demise of our fellow commentator #DeanJones He was fine in the morning. I had video call with his son two days back. Everything was fine. Everything was normal. I can’t believe this #RIP
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 24, 2020