City recalls chepauk test, TNPL stint: Oz cricket great Dean Jones dies of cardiac arrest at 59

Jones, 59, was working as a commentator on television coverage of the IPL. The affable ‘Deano’ as he was fondly known, looked in the pink of health even on Wednesday evening while offering his insightful analysis during the MI and KKR match.

The Australian great also shared a strong and enduring connect with Chennai as although many remember him for his brilliance in the 50-over game, his finest moment in the national team came in scorching conditions in Chepauk in 1986, where his selfless and courageous innings of 210 helped Australia to a famous tie against India. The oppressive heat also took a toll on Jones’ health with him getting dehydrated and barely being able to hold the bat midway through his innings. But the gritty Victorian soldiered on to compile what was his second highest Test score in only his fifth innings. Such was the courage he showed under trying circumstances that the then team coach Bob Simpson labelled it as the greatest innings played by an Australian. After the completion of his innings, Jones had to be administered saline in a hospital.

But it was in his second avatar as a commentator par excellence that he forged a greater bond with TN. Jones was a regular member on the commentary panel during the annual TNPL and he traversed the State assimilating its unique and distinctive culture. He loved the cuisines of Tirunelveli and Dindigul and would regale the audiences by speaking a smattering of Tamil in different dialects and also wore the veshti many a times. His untimely passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from the State that he could call his second home. 

Dean Jones, who passed away on Thursday because of a cardiac arrest, was one of the finest exponents of ODI cricket. He played 164 ODIs for Australia and was a part of the 1987 World Cup-winning team. He also featured in 52 Test matches.

During ODI cricket and those numerous World Series Cup matches on Australia’s Channel 9, Jones was clad in yellow jersey and had his lips lined with zinc cream. Those are still etched in the memories of the 80s and 90s generations.

In ODI cricket, he would often charge down the track against fast bowlers and hit them over the in-field. He played a match-winning knock in the 1992 World Cup in Brisbane, a thriller that India lost by one run. In his post-retirement life, he performed the role of a cricket analyst for various channels, primarily in South Asia -- India and Pakistan, where he was immensely popular.

One of the Indian news channels named him ‘Professor Deano’, a moniker that stuck with him. He could polarise opinion and would often get trolled. He also once courted controversy for calling Hashim Amla “terrorist” on air. It was a light-hearted comment, but the racist undertone forced the particular broadcaster to take him off air.

His online banter with fellow commentator and former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris was enjoyed and lapped up by new generation of cricket followers.

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

VIRAT KOHLI: Shocked to hear about the tragic loss of Dean Jones. Praying for strength and courage to his family and friends

KUMAR SANGAKKARA: Unbelievably sad news about @ProfDeano. Thoughts and prayers with family. absolutely shocked. Awful news 

MARK WAUGH Can’t believe it that’s terrible news. Fantastic player and always enjoyed his company on and off the field. Thoughts are with his family at this tragic time #RIP