Written by Agastya Sharma, a grade 6 student (junior editor I Kid You Not).

The cricket community suffered a hard blow on the 24^th of September. Dean Jones, a renowned cricketer and commentator, passed away due to a heart attack on Thursday.

He was a much loved and respected person in the cricket fraternity. He will be missed.

Who was Dean Jones?

Dean Jones was born on the 24^th of March, 1961 in Coburg, Australia as Dean Mervyn Jones. He started his fabulous career in cricket 1981 as a Test player (first-class cricket) in the Sheffield Shield with Victoria. He also competed in the England County Championship, leading Derbyshire to second place in 1996. He left the team in 1997.

His international career started when he was asked to play the 1984 West Indies tour, when Graham Yallop feel out ill. His debut score of 48 was deemed by him as his best knock. During the span of 1984-1992, he played over 50 Tests, with 11 centuries.

His most renowned innings was against India, in Madras, 1986. The team was suffering from dehydration, and Jones was no different, vomiting frequently on the pitch. After his captain offered to put a Queenslander on (get a Queenslander to place Jones’ place), he spurred on to hit 210, to tie the Test. This match is still renowned to be one of the most iconic moments in cricketing history.

Australia’s victory in the 1987 World Cup was unexpected. ‘Nuff said. One of the major parts of their victory was of course, Dean Jones. One match against India was won by a run, as Dean Jones insisted that one shot of his was a six, not a four. Due to his persistence, it was checked and proved it was a six. This caused Australia’s one-run victory against India. The World Cup was won because of the top three batsmen, David Boon, Geoff Marsh, and Jones. He also was a star in the 1989 Ashes, which Australia won.

After he retired from cricket, he coached teams in the Pakistani Super League, first the Islamabad United, who won twice during his reign, then the Karachi Kings.

He also continued as a commentator, which gave him the name of Professor Deano, after he appeared on a TV show to analyse the pitch dressed as a professor. He was known for his work in the Indian Premier League, as an analytics expert in the pre-match show, The Dugout.

Many cricketers paid their respect to this amazing cricketer through social media. Brett Lee was devastated as he tried to administer CPR as Dean Jones was dying. His wife called him ‘joyous and full of energy’. Sachin Tendulkar respected him like an idol, and grew up watching him play.

He was an icon when he lived. He was an icon when he passed. He will remain always in our hearts.

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