Australian cricket legend Dean Jones dies of heart attack aged 59 at a hotel in Mumbai despite Brett Lee’s desperate battle to save him with CPR – plunging the sport into mourning
Australian cricket great Dean Jones (pictured in 2015) has died at 59
Australian cricket great Dean Jones has died in India aged 59.
The player turned commentator, who was born in Coburg, Melbourne, died of a ‘massive’ heart attack in a Mumbai hotel on Thursday.
Jones was in the subcontinent as part of Star India’s commentating team for the IPL.
Daily Mail Australia understands Jones collapsed in the lobby of the hotel as he entered with former fast bowler Brett Lee, who desperately tried to revive him.
‘It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Mr. Dean Mervyn Jones AM,’ a Star India statement read.
‘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.’
Star India said it is in communication with the Australian High Commission.
Jones is seen during a ODI match against South Africa at the SCG in January 1994
Jones (centre) celebrates Christmas with his two daughters last year
Shane Warne and Jones pose for a photo at the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 2006
‘Dean Jones was one of the great ambassadors of the game associating himself with Cricket development across South Asia,’ the statement continued.
‘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.’
Jones is hailed for revolutionising the One Day International format.
Cricket greats posted their condolences when the shock news broke on Thursday night.
Jones (pictured) is hailed for revolutionising the ODI format
Jones is seen with his wife Jane and their daughters Isabella and Phoebe at the SCG
Former England Test cricketer Monty Panesar said: ‘Very sad to hear passing away of Dean Jones.
‘Top commentator and coach, great cricket brain, will be missed by the cricketing community #RIPdeanjones.’
Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri said he was shocked to lose ‘a colleague and a dear friend’.
‘Gone so young. Condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace,’ he wrote.
Jones leaves behind his wife Jane and their two daughters, Isabella and Phoebe.
The cricket great played in 52 Tests for Australia and averaged 46.55 batting in the middle order.
He scored 3631 runs and 11 centuries in his illustrious career.
In 1986, Jones was hailed a hero for his 210 knock against India in 40C heat.
‘On about 170, I wanted to go off because I was stopping the game every over to be sick,’ Jones told Cricinfo in 2004.
Jones tried to cool off with an ice bath after he was dismissed but when he attempted to get out of the bath he passed out.
More to come
Cricket fans quickly posted their condolences to Twitter when the news broke on Thursday night
Jones enjoys a game of beach cricket against the backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2006