By Jon Pierik, Andrew Wu and Chris Barrett
Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones has died of a heart attack, aged 59, prompting tributes from around a shocked cricketing world.
Jones, in Mumbai as part of the Indian Premier League's official broadcasting commentary crew, suffered a major heart attack on Thursday.
Close friends of Jones said he had gone for a run on Thursday morning and had the heart attack at lunch-time in his hotel room at the Trident. Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee attempted to revive him.
"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 said in a statement.
"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."
The news sparked immediate tributes from the sport's highest levels including Jones' former captain Allan Border, Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings, former teammate Darren Berry and a host of former and current players from around the world.
Star India's statement described Jones as "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," the statement said.
Jones, who is survived by his wife Jane and daughters Isabella and Phoebe, played 52 Tests and scored 3631 runs, including 11 centuries. His most famous innings was his 210 in the tied Test against India in Chennai in 1986.
But he will arguably be best remembered for his one-day international exploits, where he scored 6063 runs, including seven centuries and 46 fifties, in 164 matches.
His fitness and dashing stroke play helped to transform the white-ball format, while his decision to don sunglasses in the field ushered in a trend that remains to this day. In recent years, he had made a name for himself as a fine Twenty20 coach.
He was also a columnist with The Age and Sydney Morning Herald and his forthright views were respected by the Australian cricket fraternity.
Local and overseas tributes poured in on Thursday night, with Border - Jones' former Australian captain and a man he adored - leading the way.
"I don’t really know what to say. He was simply just a good mate that always had my back," Border said.
"We’d stayed close post-cricket and only talked this morning about a fun project that we were going to get involved in. So many great memories it’s hard to single things out.
"I’m not sure the cricketing public really appreciate how good a cricketer, in all forms, Deano was. I’m genuinely shattered by this news."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison described Jones as an "absolute cricketing legend".
"A true entertainer at the crease, whose flair with the bat & electric running between the wickets changed the game forever," he tweeted.
"A genuine good guy & a huge loss. Our hearts go out to Dean’s family, friends, the Australian cricket family & his many fans."
Eddings said Jones would be sorely missed by cricket fans around the world.
"Dean Jones was a hero to a generation of cricketers and will forever be remembered as a legend of this great game," Eddings 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.
"Although many remember him for his brilliance in the 50-over game, arguably Jones’ finest moment in the national team came in scorching conditions in Chennai in 1986, where his selfless and courageous innings of 210 helped Australia to a famous tie against India.
"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. Deano’s loss will be felt not just at home in Australia, but across the globe."
Darren Berry, Jones' long-time Victorian teammate, said he was "uncomfortably numb".
"We spoke on the phone for almost two hours just a few days ago and now you are gone," Berry said on social media. "So glad we reunited my friend after too many years apart ... I'll miss our passionate cricket chats."
Australian coach Justin Langer said he was shocked to hear of Jones' passing.
"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 were a huge turning point for Australian cricket," he said.
"His double century in Madras was one of the greatest and most courageous innings of all time."
Former Australian captain Steve Smith said he was shattered by the news.
"Awful to hear the news of Dean Jones passing away in Mumbai. He was a wonderful player for Australia and he will be missed," he said on social media.
Tom Moody, Jones' former Australian Test and one-day international teammate, was also in shock.
"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," he said on social media.
Michael Sholly, Jones' former captain at Melbourne Cricket Club, said the club was in mourning.
"I am just so devastated by the news. He was a champion of our club and always played for us even when he played for Australia the night before in Sydney," he said.
"He even played a year in our seconds at the end of his career to help the young players. He gave himself to others. There are so many great times he had with Melbourne.
"He was a great model for our players. I am so devastated for Jane and the kids. He was a great friend to everyone."
India captain Virat Kohli took to Twitter to pay his respects.
Sachin Tendulkar played against Jones in his first Test tour of Australia in 1991/92.
"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," Tendulkar tweeted.
Former Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle added his thoughts.
"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," Siddle wrote.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen said he was "gutted" by Jones' death.
The Carlton Football Club, whom Jones was an avid supporter of in the AFL, wrote: "We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former test cricketer and lifelong Carlton supporter, Dean Jones.".
Dean Jones in action for Australia in 1994.Credit: Bruce Postle
Read Dean Jones' columns for the Age and Herald.