Last Updated on 4 years by Charbel Coorey
Dean Jones passes away: A fan’s tribute to a cricketing legend | Australia cricket legend Dean Jones passes away: A tribute to the legend.
Shock. Total shock. After catching up with a friend for dinner, I came back home to watch some rugby league before attention turns fully to another day of IPL 2020. Then, out of nowhere, I see “Dean Jones 1961-2020” appear on the screen, and wonder if my eyes are deceiving me. Surely not. Surely.
It was meant to be another day of coverage for the great Dean Jones, part of Star Sport’s Select Dugout commentary team for the IPL. Instead, the whole cricketing world is stunned at his sudden passing due to cardiac arrest, aged only 59. The sheer number of tributes and outpouring of emotion is testament to the man Jones was – passionate, enthusiastic and incredibly likeable.
When describing a great player, one can refer to whether you can count on that player in times of need. Against the magnificent West Indian juggernaut of the 80s, the packed stadium of Australian fans, and millions at home, always believed Australia could win if Jones has one of his great days. And those great days were in spades, with 6,068 runs at an average of 44.61 in 164 One Day Internationals for his country.
The numbers are outstanding, but there is a greater story. There is a reason why he is referred to as an “icon”, as it’s the manner in which he achieved those numbers. Jones played a key role in revolutionising ODI cricket, executing such incredible skill that made him ahead of his time. Walking down the pitch to a fast bowler was unthinkable then. But Jones did it. Jones turned seemingly risky singles into twos, which reflected his belief and positivity. The brilliant outfielding we see today? Jones helped transform fielding into a key asset for any team. By the late 80s, Jones formed part of a crucial core that enabled Australia to lift the World Cup for the first time, back in 1987.
His white ball prowess was more than matched by his red ball game. 3,631 Test runs at 46.88 are superb numbers in a challenging era for batting. His double century in Chennai against India in 1986 is one that sticks out in particular. It still stands as one of the great Test knocks, as Jones battled not only the Indian bowlers, but so much more. In just his third Test, and first in over two years, Jones dug in for 503 minutes in unspeakable heat, during which he threw up multiple times, including on the pitch. He also couldn’t control his bodily fluids. The conditions were ridiculous, but Jones’ resolve even more so, continuing on to reach 210 that told the world that Australia well and truly has a star in their side.
A superb international career, along with a magnificent first class career comprising of 19,188 runs at 51.85, makes anyone who watched him play quite devastated at the news. However, one thing that has caught my eye is the number of young fans also shocked and devastated, such is the impact Jones had as a commentator and pundit. A man with a sheer love for the game, Jones’ passion and enthusiasm was infectious. Whether it was his memorable call of a young Michael Clarke on debut taking on the great Anil Kumble at Bangalore in 2004, Bangladesh’s great win in their 100th Test in 2017 or his countless displays of gratitude, passion and enthusiasm, Jones had the ability to lift the callers around him, as well as the viewer.
Jones’ sudden passing due to a heart attack leaves a hole in cricket that no one can fill. Dean Jones the commentator, just like the player, was unique, enthusiastic and always seemed to be counting his lucky stars that he was talking about a game he loved so much.
“Deano” will be greatly missed. We thank you for everything. Rest in Peace.
