Former Australia batsman Dean Jones passes away at 59
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Former Australia batsman Dean Jones died of a cardiac arrest on Thursday, Indian broadcaster Star India reported. He was 59.
Jones, regarded as one of the finest batsmen of his generation, was part of Australia's World Cup-winning team in 1987.
He played 52 Tests and 164 one-day internationals in an international career that spanned 10 years from 1984 to 1994.
Jones is best remembered for his performance in the tied test against India in Chennai in 1986, when he battled extreme heat and physical exhaustion to notch a memorable double century.
He ended his career with 3,631 runs in Tests at an average of 46.55 with 11 hundreds and 14 half-centuries, and over 6,000 runs in ODIs with seven centuries and 46 fifties.
Jones retired from all forms of cricket in 1998, going on to work as a coach and commentator. He was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2019.
Jones was in Mumbai as part of Star India's commentary panel for the Indian Premier League.
“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.
“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 Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they were devastated by the news of Jones' death.
“On behalf of Pakistan cricket, the PCB offers its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire cricket community,” the PCB tweeted.
Bowler Hassan Ali said he was "really saddened" by the news, adding that "2020 cannot get worse".
"Really saddened about news on Dean Jones legendary cricketer and an even better person," he tweeted.
He had also coached Islamabad United in previous editions of the PSL. In a message on Twitter, Islamabad United said the team was "deeply saddened by the news of Ustaad Dean Jones passing away".
"We can’t thank him enough for what he did for our team. He will be #RedForever. Our thoughts & prayers with his family."
In PSL's 2020 edition, Jones was the head coach of the Karachi Kings.
Former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble paid tribute to Jones on Twitter.
“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,” Kumble said.
