Australian cricket legend Dean Jones dead at the age of 59

The global cricket community has been rocked by the sudden death of Australian cricket icon Dean Jones, who passed away in India.

Australian cricket legend Dean Jones has died of a heart attack aged 59, rocking the cricket world.

The Australian cricket legend was in India working as a commentator for the IPL. He collapsed in a Mumbai hotel where fellow former cricketer Brett Lee was on the scene and performed CPR. He is understood to have collapsed around 7pm (AEST), according to The Australian.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Mr. Dean Mervyn Jones AM,” said Star India, who Jones was a commentator for, in a statement.

“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.”

Cricket Australia released a statement on Thursday evening expressing the sadness being felt right across the cricket world.

“Cricket Australia is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dean Jones at the age of 59.

Jones represented Australia in 52 Tests and 164 One-Day Internationals and won admirers the world over with his dashing shot-making and superb fielding,” the statement read.

“He was also a stalwart of Victorian cricket during the 1980s and 1990s and retired as the state’s leading first-class run-scorer.”

RELATED: Brett Lee fought to save Dean Jones’ life

Dean Jones batting in a One Day International match on February 1, 1990 in Australia. Picture: Getty Images.

Dean Jones. Picture: Getty Images.

CRICKET WORLD REACTS TO HEARTBREAKING LOSS

Superstars from across the globe have been stopped in their tracks after learning of the passing of Dean Jones.

His impact on the game cannot be understated and the outpouring of emotion shows just how big Jones was in taking the game to even greater heights.

Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar and Aussie greats like David Warner and Darren Lehmann were among many to pay their respects.

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

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

😢❤️🙏 so sad. RIP legend and love to his family , our thoughts are with them all xxxx https://t.co/pLtolyDcZv

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) 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

Shocking news... This year gets even worse. Was joking with Deano last week about carrying a red book with me to the match. Terrible... My heartfelt Condolences to the family. 🙏🏽

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) 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

Really shocking to lose a colleague and a dear friend - Dean Jones. Gone so young. Condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace #RIPDeanJones 🙏 - @cricketcomau pic.twitter.com/pckNBow5Sv

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) September 24, 2020

Very sad to hear of the passing of Dean Jones. He was always a fantastic bloke to have a yarn with around a cricket field. I remember in Canada one of his stories was so funny I actually forgot to warm up to bowl pre-game. RIP.

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) September 24, 2020

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DEAN JONES

Jones was born in the Victorian town of Coburg and burst onto the world’s stage in the 1980s when he became a star in Australian colours.

His one-day debut came on January 30, 1984 against Pakistan. He was recognised as one of the best one-day batsmen in the world throughout his 10 years in the team which saw him amass 6068 runs at an average of 44.61.

Less than two months after earning his spot in the Australian one-day side, Jones made his debut in the Test team against the West Indies.

Playing in a total of 52 Tests, Jones compiled 3631 runs at an average of 46.55 with a top score of 216 in a career that spanned a little over eight years in the whites.

Jones’ most memorable innings at the crease came in Chennai, India in 1986 when he fought through vomiting and dehydration to post a stunning 210 and tie the Test. His score of 210 remains the highest score by an Aussie in India.

“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,” Earl Eddings, Chair of Cricket Australia, said in a statement.

Jones celebrates a century in 1987.

The Aussie legend himself.

He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 for his services to cricket and charity and was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2019. Jones officially retired from all forms of the game in 1997-98 and stepped into the world of coaching and commentary.

He became the head coach of Pakistan Super League franchise Islamabad United from 2015 to 2019. During which time he was also the interim head coach of the Afghanistan national team in 2017.

The Aussie and Victorian legend was never afraid to speak his mind and earlier this year he blasted Cricket Victoria over their questionable management and strategic plan.

“Where it has come from is the lack of culture and vision and strategy by the CV administration has just hurt me,” Jones said.

“I played 20 years for my state and was proud to have done it. Their five-step plan from 2017 to 2022 is just so far wrong as to where they are going.

“They wanted to be the No. 1 sport in Victoria. Well, that is not happening after AFL.”