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Dean Jones: A Celebration of LIfe

Sep 26, 2020 | Tributes: Cricketing Heroes

The sudden death of Dean Jones shocked the cricketing community at the age of 59 on September 24th last week in Mumbai.

Deano, as he was commonly known as, was a larger than life personality, even controversial at times. He was known for his analysis and left-field ideas as well as his aggressive gameplay.

We will take this moment to celebrate his illustrious life and career—as a world-cup winning batsman, broadcaster, commentator, and even a coach.

The Highlights:

Dean Jones was one of the pillars of Australia’s World Cup win in 1987 and the 1989 Ashes victory in England. He is generally considered to be a part of “Australia’s Greatest ODI Teams” due to his style of playing. Apart from his ODI batting, he is also remembered for his double century in the tied match against India at Chennai. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Teams: Australia, Victoria, Derbyshire, Durham
  • 1987 Cricket World Cup (314 runs at average of 44)
  • 1989-1992: Top Ranked ODI Batsman
  • 1991: 5th Highest ICC Batting Ranking of all time (918)
  • 2019: Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

Stats:

ODI: 164 matches, 6068 runs, 44.61 average, best of 145, 7-100s/46-50s
Tests: 52 matches, 3631 runs, 46.55 average, best of 216, 11-100s/ 14- 50s

Coached:

  • Islamabad United – Head Coach (2016-2018) – won in 2016
  • Karachi Kings – Head Coach (2019)
  • Afghanistan national cricket team – Interim Head Coach (2017)

Broadcaster/ Commentator:

  • Columnist at The Age and Sydney Morning Herald
  • Indian Premier League – Dugout at Star Sports (India)
  • Shpageeza Cricket League (Afghanistan)
  • Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Premier Leagues (India)

Dean Jones – The Legacy:

With Dean Jones, we have lost a gem. Gone too soon, but a life well-lived.

It did not matter the format or level of cricket. If it was cricket, Dean Jones was there-whether that was international cricket like the Ashes or as a T20 globetrotter at the PSL, in Afghanistan as a coach or commentator, or even the state premier leagues in India.

He may be analyzing a game pre-match, commentating during the game, or even be in a dugout as a coach. As a batsman, he changed ODI cricket for the better and was one of the transformational figures of cricket broadcasting.

Deep condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace, Deano.

Tributes:

Here are some of the tributes on social media after the news of his passing away broke out.

“Champion player, coach, and commentator” – Waqar Younis

“Such a kind and generous soul who inspired millions of people around the world” – Shane Watson

“Loved playing alongside Deano – his enthusiasm and energy was infectious while his confidence and boy language always lifted his team mates. He was a pioneer and innovator in many aspects, his intimidating running between the wickets, his cavalier stroke play, being first to wear sunglasses on the field while he also paved the way for players to be compensated well for their bat contracts. He owned the one day game…” – Steve Waugh

“He revolutionised the game and I loved him. When he scored his 200 in Madras he was so dehydrated but he kept going on…”Allan Border

Videos:

  1. ICC Tribute:

2. The Best of Dean Jones (Batting/Fielding videos)

3. Highlights of several of Jones’ innings

Sources: ESPNCricinfo: Story, Profile, Tributes ; ICC, cricket.com.au
Nitesh Mathur

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