Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones has died of a heart attack, aged 59.
Jones, in Mumbai as part of the Indian Premier League’s official broadcasting commentary crew, suffered a major heart attack.
Close friends of Jones said he had gone for a run on Thursday morning and had the heart attack at lunch-time in his hotel room. Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee attempted to revive him.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Mr. Dean Mervyn Jones AM. 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. We are in touch with the Australian High Commission to make the necessary arrangements,” Star India said in a statement.
“Dean Jones was one of the great ambassadors of the game associating himself with Cricket development across South Asia. He was passionate about discovering new talent and nurturing young Cricketers. He was a champion commentator whose presence and presentation of the game always brought joy to millions of fans. He will be sorely missed by everyone at Star and his millions of fans across the globe. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Jones played 52 Tests and scored 3631 runs, including 11 centuries, but will arguably be best remembered for his one-day international exploits, where he scored 6063 runs, including seven centuries and 46 fifties, in 164 matches.
He was also a columnist with The Age and Sydney Morning Herald and his forthright views were respected by the Australian cricket fraternity.
Jones is survived by his wife Jane and two daughters Phoebe and Augusta.
Source & credits : The Age
