Australian cricket was rocked today by the news that former batsman Dean Jones died suddenly at the age of 59.
Jones suffered a heart attack in Mumbai, where he was working as a commentator for Star India on the IPL.
Jones, who also played county cricket for Derbyshire and Durham, represented Australia in 52 Tests and 164 ODIs between 1984 and 1994, and was one of the pioneers of white-ball batting and a World Cup winner in 1987.
He made two Test double-centuries, including one in the tied Test at Madras in 1986, after which he was put on a saline drip due to dehydration.
Since retiring in the late 1990s, Jones worked as a commentator, analyst and coach.
Tributes poured in from across the game, with Sachin Tendulkar describing him as “a wonderful soul taken away too soon” and Derbyshire CCC saying that it was “a tragic loss for the game”.
Cricket Australia paid tribute with Earl Eddings, the Chairman, said: “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.
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“This is a truly sad day. Deano’s loss will be felt not just at home in Australia, but across the globe. Our thoughts and best wishes are with his wife Jane and daughters Isabella and Phoebe.