Australian cricket great Dean Jones has died in India aged 59 after suffering a heart attack. Jones was staying in a Mumbai hotel while working for broadcaster Star India as a commentator.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Mr. Dean Mervyn Jones AM,” a Star India statement read. “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.”
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, 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.
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 was in Mumbai as part of Star India's commentary panel for the Indian Premier League.
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.
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.
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.
Additional reporting by Reuters
