Dean Jones dead: Virat Kohli, David Warner in shock after ex-Australian dies of heart attack in Mumbai
Dean Jones's co-commentator and colleague Irfan Pathan revealed that the former Australian cricketer was absolutely fine on the morning of his death on Thursday.
In Short
- Dean Jones died of a heart attack at a Mumbai hotel on Thursday. He was 59
- Jones played 52 Tests and 164 ODIs for Australia during a career which spanned 8 years
- The Victorian scored 3631 runs in red-ball cricket and amassed 6068 runs in ODIs
The news of former Australia cricketer Dean Jones's death on Thursday shocked the cricketing fraternity with his fellow colleague Irfan Pathan even going on to reveal that he was doing "fine in the morning".
Dean Jones was in India for his commentary commitments for the host broadcaster of the Indian Premier League 2020. The 59-year-old suffered a massive heart attack in the afternoon after 12 PM which resulted in his demise.
Irfan Pathan, who is also part of the IPL 2020 commentary panel, claimed in his tweet that Jones was absolutely normal before his death.
"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 tweeted.
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
Tributes and condolence messages for the Victorian started to pour in on social media soon after the news of his death. Team India and Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli led the tributes on Twitter along with Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper David Warner among others.
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
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
In complete shock to hear about Dean Jones sad passing. One of a kind you were Deano and how lonely and helpless you must have felt on your own in that hotel room-a death we commentators fear the most, and likely to meet, helpless and gone in that hotel room...RIP my friend. — Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) September 24, 2020
Shocked to hear Deano is no more. His innovative batting and his professorial analysis in studio were always such a joy to watch. He was so full of life. Will miss watching him on TV and talking cricket with him. RIP #DeanJones — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) 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
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
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Mr. Dean Mervyn Jones AM,” Star India confirmed 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,” Star Sports India, the host broadcasters for IPL 2020, confirmed the news of Jones's passing in a statement.
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 hundreds and 14 half-centuries. In one-day internationals he amassed 6068 runs at 44.61 with 7 hundreds and 46 fifties.