New Delhi: The cricket fraternity came together to mourn the sad demise of Australian legendary cricketer Dean Jones, died of a heart attack on Thursday in Mumbai. He was 59.
Earl Eddings, Chair of Cricket Australia, remembered a “legend of this great game”. “Dean Jones was a hero to a generation of cricketers and will forever be remembered as a legend of this great game,” he 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.
“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. This is a truly sad day.”
Jones’ fellow Australians remembered a player who changed the way the game was played.
Justin Langer, the Australia coach, said, “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 (Allan Border) were a huge turning point for Australian cricket.”
Speechless with the tragic news of the passing of my great mate and beloved cricketing man.
You will be sorely missed by your cricketing family, sincere condolences to Jane and the girls. #RIP #Deano— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) September 24, 2020
Incredibly shocked by the news that Dean Jones has passed away. Had a poster of the great man in my room as a kid. And was lucky to have him as a batting coach 1st year of BBL. Thoughts are with his family at this extremely tough time. #RIPDeano
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) September 24, 2020
“Stats are great but they don’t say how he, like not a lot of others, changed the way the game was played,” said Mel Jones. “The speed btw wickets, the ability to manipulate the field the energy in the field and the development of so many other players. What a contribution to the game.”
Darren Lehmann added: “Dean Jones will be missed, he taught me so much on and off the ground, I and all of the cricketing world will miss him.”
Simply awful news. Rest in peace Deano. Grew up idolising you and it was a pleasure to know you. Heartbreaking. Deepest condolences to Jane and the family.#RIPDeano
— Jason Gillespie ? (@dizzy259) September 24, 2020
Such sad news. Growing up as a young kid watching his highlights inspired me to play the game. You will be sadly missed mate. RIP Deano ???
— Peter Siddle (@petersiddle403) September 24, 2020
In India, where he enjoyed two of the finest moments in his career, the 1987 World Cup win and the double-century at Chepauk, and where he was working on TV commentary for the IPL when he had a heart attack, there was sadness.
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
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 (@ChennaiIPL) 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
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
Jones influenced cricketers and made friends around the world through his coaching and commentary stints, and earlier as a player.
You will be missed, Deano! pic.twitter.com/7vJRKOBQxa
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) September 24, 2020
Horrible news to wake up to…
You were more than a player I had played against, you were my friend, my brother. Will deeply miss your smile & your presence where ever cricket is played around the world.
Rest In Peace Deano man. The world needed more from you! Always in my ❤️ pic.twitter.com/N9gwAoUgSc
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) September 24, 2020
Absolutely Shocked and deeply sad to hear about the sudden demise of @ProfDeano. My condolences to his friends and family. You will be missed #RIP ??
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) September 24, 2020
We are saddened to hear of the passing of the former Durham, Derbyshire and Australia batsman, Dean Jones.
Our condolences to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/qlBTLPyWgu
— County Championship (@CountyChamp) September 24, 2020
Some special moments alongside Dean Jones with our @IsbUnited family. RIP great man. #Legend ?? pic.twitter.com/aldqC6I3Ev
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) September 24, 2020
Extremely shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden demise of Dean Jones. He was such an amazing person n great coach. The cricketing world will feel his loss for a very long time. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. #profdeano #RIP
— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul) September 24, 2020