SPORTS

'You were one of a kind, Deano'

By Rediff Cricket
September 24, 2020

Condolences poured in from colleagues from the cricket fraternity following the demise of former Australian batsmen Dean Jones.

Jones died of a cardiac arrest in a hotel in Mumbai on Thursday.

Cricket Australia: Dean Jones was a hero to a generation of cricketers and will forever be remembered as a legend of this great game.  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.

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.

ICC: Dean Jones: 1961-2020 – an icon of the game gone way too soon. RIP.

Indian Premier League: We are extremely shocked and sad to learn of the untimely demise of Mr. Dean Jones. His energy and enthusiasm for the game will be truly missed.

Sachin Tendulkar: 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.

Tom Moody: Speechless with the tragic news of the passing of my great mate and beloved cricketing man.  You will be sorely missed by your cricketing family, sincere condolences to Jane and the girls. #RIP #Deano

Aaron Finch: Still in shock hearing the news of Deanos passing. Thoughts are with Jane and the family at this incredibly tough time. A great man with an amazing passion for the game.

David Warner: I can’t believe this news. So very sad to hear about this. Rip Deano, you will be missed.

Virat Kohli: Shocked to hear about the tragic loss of #DeanJones. Praying for strength and courage to his family and friends.

Harsha Bhogle: You disagreed with Deano, you pulled his leg more than you might with others. But that was because he was game. And when he came up with a theory, you always listened because it was backed by numbers. He loved cricket but that was only one of the reasons we loved him. So so sad.

Ramiz Raja: 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.

VVS Laxman: Terrible news of Dean Jones passing away. My heartfelt Condolences to the family.

Ajinkya Rahane: Shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of Dean Jones. My condolences to his friends and family.

Shikhar Dhawan: Tragic news. Rest in Peace, Professor. My condolences to the family of Dean Jones.

R Ashwin: Shocked and devastated!! #RIPDeanjones.

Justin Langer, Australia coach: ‘Deano was a true legend of Australian sport and world cricket, one of the great players and personalities in a golden time for the game.  His role in the team's World Cup win in 1987 and the 1989 Ashes under AB (Allan Border) were a huge turning point for Australian cricket. His double century in Madras was one of the greatest and most courageous innings of all time. We can only hope to make Australians as proud of our team as they were of Deano, he will be missed by the game and millions of people around the world."

Scott Morrison, Australian Prime Minister: "An absolute cricketing legend. A true entertainer at the crease, whose flair with the bat and electric running between the wickets changed the game forever.A genuine good guy and a huge loss. Our hearts go out to Dean's family, friends, the Australian cricket family & his many fans.

Darren Lehmann, former Australia batsman and coach: Dean Jones will be missed, he taught me so much on and off the ground. I and all of the cricketing world will miss him.

Steve Smith: Awful to hear the news of Dean Jones passing away in Mumbai. He was a wonderful player for Australia and he will be missed... RIP Deano.

Glenn Maxwell: Incredibly shocked by the news that Dean Jones has passed away. Had a poster of the great man in my room as a kid. And was lucky to have him as a batting coach first year of BBL (Big Bash League). Thoughts are with his family at this extremely tough time.

Jason Gillespie: Simply awful news. Rest in peace Deano. Grew up idolising you and it was a pleasure to know you. Heartbreaking."

Ravi Shastri: Really shocking to lose a colleague and a dear friend - Dean Jones. Gone so young. Condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace.

Anil Kumble: Shocking news... This year gets even worse. Was joking with Deano last week about carrying a red book with me to the match. Terrible.

Jacques Kallis: Sad to learn of the passing of Dean Jones. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.

Jimmy Neesham: Very sad to hear of the passing of Dean Jones. He was always a fantastic bloke to have a yarn with around a cricket field. I remember in Canada one of his stories was so funny I actually forgot to warm up to bowl pre-game. RIP.

Rohit Sharma: Shocking news to hear about passing away of Dean Jones Disappointed face #RIP

Pakistan Actor Ali Zafar: Good bye @ProfDeano (Dean Jones). Shall always remember our hugs and laughs during the winning streak with @IsbUnited. You were such a great sport and spirit. Always smiling.  #RIPDeanJones.

Hardik Pandya: Very, very sad news. Rest in Peace, Professor Deano. Sending my condolences to his loved ones.

Kolkata Knight Riders: A fantastic cricketer and a commentator par excellence.  RIP Deano, you will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Rajasthan Royals: We will miss you & your voice, Professor.  Deeply saddened by the loss of commentator & former Aussie cricketer, Dean Jones.

Rediff Cricket

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