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The wife of cricket champion Dean Jones pens a heartfelt tribute to 'the love of her life' after his shock death - and thanks fellow Australian Brett Lee for his 'tireless efforts' in performing CPR

The heartbroken wife of Australian cricketer Dean Jones has spoken of the 'enormous gap in her life which can never be filled' following the passing of her husband.

Jane Jones - who was married to the man affectionately known as 'Deano' for 34 years - said she was overwhelmed by the scale of response in the wake of his shock death of a heart attack in the lobby of an Indian hotel on Thursday.

'My girls and I are devastated and saddened beyond belief to hear of Dean's death in India,' Mrs Jones told The Age. 

'My beautiful husband, the love of my life has lived his life with every bit of energy at his disposal, and he leaves an enormous gap in our lives which can never be filled.'

Jane Jones (pictured left) with her late husband, Australian cricket legend Dean Jones

Jane Jones (pictured left) with her late husband, Australian cricket legend Dean Jones

'He leaves us with so many wonderful memories that will last forever. At this challenging time, when our grief is so raw, we have drawn much consolation from the many messages of goodwill and support from so many people around the world. 

'Given Dean's special love for the sub-continent, it was especially touching to hear so broadly from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. We are overwhelmed by the scale of the response to the news of his death and we will forever be grateful for that.'

Mrs Jones also paid tribute to Australian cricket great Brett Lee, who desperately tried to revive his commentary colleague via CPR and a defibrillator moments before an ambulance was on the scene.

'We want to especially thank and acknowledge Brett Lee's tireless efforts to keep Dean alive,' Jane said. 

Dean Jones (pictured second from the right) with his wife Jane as well as daughters Phoebe and Augusta (second from left)

Dean Jones (pictured second from the right) with his wife Jane as well as daughters Phoebe and Augusta (second from left)

'At this moment, we would sincerely ask the cricketing world to respect the privacy of our family. Details of Dean's memorial celebration will be released in due course, so everyone has the chance to rightly commemorate his wonderful legacy and bid farewell.'

Meanwhile, Australian cricket legend Brett Lee has paid his respect to his close friend, sharing a touching video online showing how the larrikin nature of Dean Jones was on display in his final hours before his death.

Jones, 59, died of a heart attack at the Trident Hotel in Mumbai on Thursday, leaving the cricket world in shock and mourning the loss of one of the game's icons.

Australian batsman Dean Jones (pictured) playing County Cricket for Durham in 1992

Australian batsman Dean Jones playing County Cricket for Durham in 1992

Lee tried desperately to help Jones after he collapsed, performing CPR twice and briefly bringing him back to life before his eventual death.

In the hours before his passing, Jones' playful side was on full display as he provided mock commentary of a golf 'tournament' inside a hotel room also featuring Lee and ex-New Zealand international turned commentary colleague Scott Styris.

'That one is underneath the tree then out of bounds,' Jones can be heard describing an errant shot from Lee.

He then grabs the putter off Lee and takes centre stage. 

True to form, Jones shrieked to 'be the ball' before then describing his good mate Styris as his 'golf handicap'. 

As the clip ends, Jones can barely contain his delight after winning the closest to the hole challenge by a matter of inches.

Australian cricket legend Dean Jones (picutred) hamming it up in his hotel room just days before his tragic passing

Australian cricket legend Dean Jones hamming it up in his hotel room just days before his tragic passing

The sudden death of Dean Jones (pictured) has left the cricket reeling this week

The sudden death of Dean Jones has left the cricket reeling this week

Former Australian bowler Brett Lee (pictured) was a close friend of Dean Jones, with the pair commentating together for Star India

Former Australian bowler Brett Lee was a close friend of Dean Jones, with the pair commentating together for Star India

It comes as Jones' heartbroken daughter has thanked former Australian bowler Lee for attempting to save the cricket great's life. 

He was in the city with Lee as part of Star India's commentary team for the Indian Premier League, which is being played in the UAE because of coronavirus. 

Jones collapsed in the lobby of the 5-star hotel as he walked beside the former fast bowler, who desperately tried to revive him with CPR until paramedics arrived. 

He was rushed to hospital but couldn't be saved.

Jones' daughter Phoebe said her family is 'broken' in an Instagram post mourning the loss of her father. 

The tribute post was accompanied by a happy snap from her childhood. 

She is wearing Jones' cricket cap and sitting on his shoulders grinning, as he looks up at her in awe.

'Our family is eternally grateful to Brett Lee for doing everything he could,' she said.

Jones' daughter Phoebe said her family is 'broken' in an Instagram post mourning the loss of her father

Jones' daughter Phoebe said her family is 'broken' in an Instagram post mourning the loss of her father

The tribute post was accompanied by a happy snap from her childhood (pictured)

The tribute post was accompanied by a happy snap from her childhood

Phoebe thanked cricket fans across the world who put their bats out in honour of 'Deano'.

'We are overwhelmed with your outpouring of kind words, support and tributes,' she said. 

'His legacy will live on in every life he touched. 

'I just keep staring at my phone waiting for him to call and tell me this is just a bad dream.' 

Jones' other daughter Augusta (left) shared a heartfelt post asking: 'How will I do this without you?'

Jones' other daughter Augusta shared a heartfelt post asking: 'How will I do this without you?'

Jones' daughter Augusta opened up about her heartbreak with a post on Instagram on Friday

Jones' daughter Augusta opened up about her heartbreak with a post on Instagram on Friday

Jones' other daughter Augusta shared a series of pictures with her father.

'I cannot believe I am writing this. My heart is broken, My Dad. My Hero. The sweetest and most caring person you could ever meet,' she wrote.

'If only you could see now how many lives you touched. If only you could see now how loved you were.

'You held my hand through the toughest times this year, how will I do this without you?

'The heavens have opened their gates for another angel. Wait for me dad. Everything I do is for you. I love you Dad.'

Former Australian bowler Brett Lee (right) brought Dean Jones (left) back to life twice with CPR and a defibrillator

Former Australian bowler Brett Lee brought Dean Jones back to life twice with CPR and a defibrillator

Jones (pictured in 1989) died in Mumbai, India, on Thursday - leaving the cricket world in shock and mourning

Jones (pictured in 1989) died in Mumbai, India, on Thursday - leaving the cricket world in shock and mourning

The tributes come as it was revealed Lee brought Jones back to life twice with CPR and a defibrillator. 

'It's hard to put into words the sense of loss I'm feeling right now. Deano was a great mate and champion bloke who we already miss dearly,' Lee told News Corp.

'Even though I gave my everything in trying to resuscitate Dean with the use of CPR and a defibrillator, I wish there was somehow or someway to bring him back.'  

Lee was also reportedly tasked with telling Jones' wife Jane about the commentator's death.

Following the tragic ordeal, Lee sought support from broadcaster Alan Jones and former teammate Shane Warne.

Alana Jones said Lee called him crying on Thursday night. 

'Dean had obviously collapsed and Brett was about 20 yards away … and according to Brett's story to me, he gave him mouth to mouth. He had no pulse. Brett got the pulse back and he got colour back,' the broadcaster said. 

According to Alan Jones, the ambulance was called by another witness but 'Deano was gone' again.

Lee then continued to conduct CPR and 'got life back to him' for the second time. 

Lee was also reportedly tasked with telling Jones' wife Jane (left) about the commentator's death. The couple are pictured together in 2007

Lee was also reportedly tasked with telling Jones' wife Jane about the commentator's death. The couple are pictured together in 2007

Jones had been staying in the Mumbai hotel with Brian Lara (second from right), Graeme Swann, Scott Styris (right) and Brett Lee (second from left)

Jones had been staying in the Mumbai hotel with Brian Lara (second from right), Graeme Swann, Scott Styris and Brett Lee (second from left) 

Alan Jones said Lee kept the cricket legend alive until paramedics arrived and took over. 

Hours after Jones' shock death, Lee courageously returned to television for Star India's coverage of the IPL.

Jones would have normally appeared alongside him in the studio for their IPL pre-match segment 'Select Dugout'.  

'I think the thing we want to say about Deano is he would have wanted us to be here tonight. It's pretty much the 'Select Deano' we call it. It's Deano's dugout tonight,' Lee said. 

'He is an absolute legend. Firstly to his family and friends we send our condolences. It's a real tough day for everyone, not only for his close mates ... and the whole cricketing world in general.

'What Deano would've wanted is for us to come out here in the dugout, get it done, have some fun for the game we all love.'

Lee bravely fronted television cameras in India just hours after trying in vain to save the life of Dean Jones

Lee bravely fronted television cameras in India just hours after trying in vain to save the life of Dean Jones

Jones died on Thursday and leaves behind his wife Jane (left) and their two daughters, Augusta (right) and Phoebe (second from the left)

Jones died on Thursday and leaves behind his wife Jane and their two daughters, Augusta and Phoebe (second from the left) 

Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris, another member of the commentary team, choked back tears speaking alongside Lee.  

'Who would have thought ... this morning we got up, I had breakfast with Deano. I watched him jog up and down the hallway,' Styris said.

'That was his way of keeping fit because of course we are in the bubble here in Mumbai. Who would have thought merely a couple of hours later he had this heart attack or some sort of cardiac problem. It's incredibly sad.

'He thought this to be the Deano show really. He's on to me every day with new ideas on how we can make it better. So I think it's the right thing to do to be here, it's gonna be hard but we hope to make him feel proud tonight.' 

Jones had been staying at the hotel with Styris, Lee, West Indies legend Brian Lara and former England spinner Graeme Swann.  

Jones celebrates his One Day International century against Pakistan at the WACA on January 2, 1987

Jones celebrates his One Day International century against Pakistan at the WACA on January 2, 1987

Jones (right) was in the subcontinent as part of Star India's commentating team for the IPL, which is being played in the UAE. He is pictured with Brian Lara (left), Mike Hesson (second from left) and Brett Lee (second from right)

Jones was in the subcontinent as part of Star India's commentating team for the IPL, which is being played in the UAE. He is pictured with Brian Lara , Mike Hesson (second from left) and Brett Lee (second from right)

Just two weeks before Jones' shock death, his daughter Phoebe shared a Father's Day Instagram post for her dad, who was already in India at the time. 

The snap shows Jones walking back to the pavilion with bat in his hand after being dismissed during a match in his heyday.  

Phoebe, who was a little girl at the time, is seen waiting at the fence for her father.

'Can you spot me? This is me waiting for to come home and he's only just left!' she wrote. 

'Happy Father's Day to the most dedicated and generous man I know. I love you!' 

Tragically, Phoebe did not get to see her father again. 

Just two weeks before Jones' shock death, his daughter Phoebe shared a Father's Day Instagram post for 'dedicated' dad

Just two weeks before Jones' shock death, his daughter Phoebe shared a Father's Day Instagram post for 'dedicated' dad 

Jones is pictured with his wife and two daughters on the Yarra River in Melbourne

Jones is pictured with his wife and two daughters on the Yarra River in Melbourne 

In May, Jones' daughter Augusta posted a pictured of the family-of-four in an embrace and referred to the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured: The caption Augusta used for the photo

In May, Jones' daughter Augusta posted a pictured of the family-of-four in an embrace and referred to the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured: The caption Augusta used for the photo

In May, Augusta posted a pictured of the family-of-four in an embrace.

'As this strange year 2020 continues on, it has made me so grateful for the beautiful family that I have,' she wrote.

'This year has shown me how important it is to hold on to the things that truly matter - above all else.' 

In August, Jones told his Instagram followers how 'proud' he was of his daughter for working through the coronavirus crisis.

Jones is seen batting during the 1987 World Cup match against India on October 9, 1987

Jones is seen batting during the 1987 World Cup match against India on October 9, 1987

In August, Jones told his Instagram followers how proud he was of his daughter for working through the coronavirus crisis. He shared this picture

In August, Jones told his Instagram followers how proud he was of his daughter for working through the coronavirus crisis. He shared this picture

Phoebe previously shared an old happy snap of her parents in their youth (pictured). 'Stumbled across this pic of JJ and Deano whilst cleaning out the shed,' she wrote

Phoebe previously shared an old happy snap of her parents in their youth . 'Stumbled across this pic of JJ and Deano whilst cleaning out the shed,' she wrote

'So proud of my daughter Gussie. She is a healthcare worker working with people who have disabilities,' he wrote, alongside a selfie of Augusta in personal protective equipment.  

Phoebe previously shared an old happy snap of her parents in their youth.

'Stumbled across this pic of JJ and Deano whilst cleaning out the shed,' she wrote.

The Instagram post included the captions 'romantic picnic' and 'good thinking Deano'.  

Jones (left) is pictured with his daughter Phoebe (right)

Jones is pictured with his daughter Phoebe  

In August, Jones told his Instagram followers how 'proud' he was of his health care worker daughter Augusta (right)

In August, Jones told his Instagram followers how 'proud' he was of his health care worker daughter Augusta  

STAR SPORTS INDIA STATEMENT ON DEAN JONES' DEATH 

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. 

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. 

Pictured: Phoebe wishes her father Dean Jones a happy birthday in an old Instagram post

Pictured: Phoebe wishes her father Dean Jones a happy birthday in an old Instagram post

The news of Jones' death broke in Australia on Thursday evening after it was reported in India. 

Star Sports India confirmed he died of a sudden cardiac arrest and said it was in communication with the Australian High Commission. 

TRIBUTES TO DEAN JONES:

Former Australian cricketer Rodney Hogg: 'Deano was a star, an absolute star. His depth of knowledge in cricket was very, very incredible.'

Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings: 'Dean Jones was a hero to a generation of cricketers and will forever be remembered as a legend of this great game.'

Cricket commentator Tim Lane:  'He was idolised as a player because Victoria didn't produce any great batsmen for a really really long time.'

Australia coach Justin Langer: 'Deano was a true legend of Australian sport and world cricket, one of the great players and personalities in a golden time for the game.'

Former Australian cricket captain Allan Border: 'Deano was unbelievable at the Test level but his aggression at the one day level will be remembered forever.'

Former England Test cricketer Monty Panesar said: 'Top commentator and coach, great cricket brain, will be missed by the cricketing community.'

Former Australian captain Steve Smith: 'He was a wonderful player for Australia and he will be missed. My thoughts are with his family. RIP Deano.'

Victorian premier Dan Andrews: 'Dean Jones was the epitome of grit, determination and sheer fight.'

David Warner: 'I can't believe this news. So very sad to hear about this. RIP Deano, you will be missed.' 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison: 'A true entertainer at the crease, whose flair with the bat and electric running between the wickets changed the game forever.' 

 

 

The cricket great played in 52 Tests for Australia and averaged 46.55 batting in the middle order.

He scored 3,631 runs and 11 centuries in his illustrious career. 

Former Australian cricketer, friend and teammate of Jones, Rodney Hogg,  told 3AW Jones was the toughest cricketer he has known.

'Deano was a star, an absolute star.

'His depth of knowledge in cricket was very, very incredible.'

Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings said: 'Dean Jones was a hero to a generation of cricketers and will forever be remembered as a legend of this great game.'

'Anyone who watched cricket in the 1980s and 1990s will fondly recall his cavalier approach at the crease and the incredible energy and passion he brought to every game he played.

'This is a truly sad day. Deano's loss will be felt not just at home in Australia, but across the globe.'

Australia coach Justin Langer said Jones was integral to the rebuilding of the Test and ODI side that went on to dominate the sport for nearly 20 years.

'What a great player and a great bloke. We are shocked and very sad to hear of his passing,' Langer said.

'Deano was a true legend of Australian sport and world cricket, one of the great players and personalities in a golden time for the game.

'His role in the team's World Cup win in 1987 and the 1989 Ashes under AB were a huge turning point for Australian cricket.

'His double century in Madras was one of the greatest and most courageous innings of all time.

'We can only hope to make Australians as proud of our team as they were of Deano, he will be missed by the game and millions of people around the world.

'Our love to Jane and the girls.'

Lara, a former international cricketer for West Indies who had been commentating with Jones, shared a video of the pair jokingly boxing in the studio.

'I love you too Dean Jones!! You have been a joy and absolute pleasure to work with at Star Sports India,' he wrote.

'The world has has lost a real legend and lover of our great game, cricket. 

'You will be dearly missed by many. RIP my brother. My sincere condolences to the Jones family.' 

Jones (centre) celebrates Christmas with his two daughters Augusta (left) and Phoebe (right)

Jones celebrates Christmas with his two daughters Augusta and Phoebe  

Australia captain Allan Border (centre) is hoisted high by team mates Dean Jones (left) and Tom Moody (right) after Australia won the 1987 World Cup Final in Calcutta

Australia captain Allan Border is hoisted high by team mates Dean Jones and Tom Moody after Australia won the 1987 World Cup Final in Calcutta

Cricket commentator Tim Lane said Jones' death had shocked the cricketing world.

'He was idolised as a player because Victoria didn't produce any great batsmen for a really really long time.'

Fast bowler Brett Lee (left) desperately tried to revive him Jones (right) after he suffered a massive heart attack on Thursday

Fast bowler Brett Lee desperately tried to revive him Jones after he suffered a massive heart attack on Thursday

A classy right-handed batsman, Jones played in an era of great change in Australian cricket. 

He played his first of 52 Tests against the mighty West Indies at Port of Spain in 1982 with his most famous innings his double century in the tied Madras Test in 1986.

There, he spent more than eight hours at the crease in 42C heat and severe humidity for his 210.

It earned him not only a place in Australian cricket folklore, but left him on a drip in hospital after losing eight kilos and any memory of the second half of his innings.

'The fractured memory of that amazing experience still jumps back into my mind in bits and pieces,' Jones wrote in his 1994 autobiography 'Deano My Call'.

'Some of them blurred and some crystal clear.

'Sometimes I have to refer to descriptions written at the time to fill in huge gaps in my own consciousness.'

Jones (pictured) is hailed for revolutionising the ODI format

Jones is hailed for revolutionising the ODI format

Shane Warne and Jones pose for a photo at the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 2006

Shane Warne and Jones pose for a photo at the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 2006

Jones is seen during a ODI match against South Africa at the SCG in January 1994

Jones is seen during a ODI match against South Africa at the SCG in January 1994

Former Australia coach Bob Simpson said he had not 'seen a braver innings'.

'He was running on adrenaline,' Simpson told Cricinfo.

'During breaks we would have one bloke waiting to take off his pads and another would strip him and put him in an ice bath just to try and revitalise him. It was immensely courageous.'

For all his toughness shown in that innings, Jones led the way with his aggression in the white-ball game during an era where teams were still cautious with their ODI batting.

His 6068 runs in the format was the second highest of all-time when he played his last match in 1994, while his strike-rate of 72.56 was also brisk for that era.

He played with flamboyance, not afraid to walk down the pitch to bowlers, attacked when running between the wickets and saved runs in the field.

The end of his time in Australia's Test team was controversial, with his axing in 1992 still one of the most perplexing in Australian cricket.

Jones speaks to former prime minister John Howard at Maroubra Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs

Jones speaks to former prime minister John Howard at Maroubra Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs

Jones is seen with his wife Jane and their daughters Augusta and Phoebe at the SCG

Jones is seen with his wife Jane and their daughters Augusta and Phoebe at the SCG

Former Australian cricket captain Allan Border told Foxsports.com.au Jones 'revolutionised the game'. 

'I can't believe this news but I'd like to pay tribute to Brett Lee for everything he did,' Border said.

'Deano was unbelievable at the Test level but his aggression at the one day level will be remembered forever.

'He loved his family, cricket golf and wine. I loved batting with him and he backed me and for that I will always love him.'

Cricket greats posted their condolences when the shock news broke on Thursday night. 

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. 

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

 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

Former Australian Cricket World Cup players Dean Jones, Brett Lee, Michael Hussey, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, Damien Fleming and Adam Gilchrist pose with the the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy during the Ricky Ponting Tribute Match at Aurora Stadium on January 30, 2014

Former Australian Cricket World Cup players Dean Jones, Brett Lee, Michael Hussey, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, Damien Fleming and Adam Gilchrist pose with the the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy during the Ricky Ponting Tribute Match at Aurora Stadium on January 30, 2014

DEAN JONES' CRICKET CAREER 

Tests: 52

Runs: 3631

Centuries: 11

Average: 46.55

High score: 216

ODIs: 164

Runs: 6068

Centuries: 7

Average: 44.61

High score: 145

Former Australian captain Steve Smith described Jones' passing as 'awful' news.

'He was a wonderful player for Australia and he will be missed. My thoughts are with his family. RIP Deano,' Smith wrote. 

David Warner said: 'I can't believe this news. So very sad to hear about this. RIP Deano, you will be missed.' 

Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar said Jones' death was 'heartbreaking'. 

'A wonderful soul taken away too soon. Had the opportunity to play against him during my first tour of Australia,' he said.

'May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to his loved ones.'  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also paid tribute to the 'absolute cricketing legend'.

'A true entertainer at the crease, whose flair with the bat and electric running between the wickets changed the game forever,' he said.

'A genuine good guy and a huge loss.'

'Our hearts go out to Dean's family, friends, the Australian cricket family and his many fans.'

Cricketers quickly posted their condolences to Twitter when the news broke on Thursday night

Cricketers 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

Jones enjoys a game of beach cricket against the backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2006

Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to the 'absolute cricketing legend'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to the 'absolute cricketing legend'

To a generation of Australian sport lovers he was our golden boy, a confident, cocky cavalier with the looks of a Greek God and the ego of a Hollywood superstar.

He was christened Dean Mervyn Jones but to us he was always Deano, a cricketing matinee idol in the days before Twitter and Facebook.

Not that Deano needed social media to promote his 'brand'. He attracted plenty of followers the old-fashioned way – by singing his own praises whenever a microphone or camera were in range.

And fair enough too. Deano had plenty to crow about.

Jones celebrates his One Day International century against Pakistan at the WACA on January 2, 1987

Jones celebrates his One Day International century against Pakistan at the WACA on January 2, 1987 

It is a truism of human nature that we all think the stars of our own era are the brightest that ever shone. Today's AFL and NRL fans are convinced that their games started the day that Dustin Martin or Nathan Cleary first tied on a boot.

And try telling a current day cricket tragic that 35 years ago Australia boasted a player who combined the timing of Steve Smith, the swagger of David Warner and the grit of … well, actually I can't think of any modern day player who has come close to exhibiting the grit of Deano … and they'll look at you as if you're nuts.

But that was Dean Jones, who passed away last night aged just 59.

It's hard to put into words how big a part of Australian cricket Deano was at his peak in the mid-1980s and 90s.

He wasn't the rock of the team like captain Allan Border, or the court jester like Merv Hughes. He wasn't even a star in the making like Steve Waugh, but in some ways he was bigger than all of them.

It was his aura, his glow. In the vernacular of the time, he was 'full of himself', but in a good way. His team-mates used to joke that on any day of the year Deano could tell you his batting average down to the third decimal point, and when he strode out to the middle you'd swear he owned every blade of grass.

But on his day he was good, oh man was he good.

In a locker room surrounded by future greats like Alan Border (pictured celebrating victory together in 1987), Merv Hughes and Steve Waugh, Jones still seemed bigger than them all

One Day Cricket could have been invented for Dean Jones. The lights, the crowds, the theatre. He lapped it up like a dry-tongued dog at a water bowl.

His critics called him a fancy dan, a pretty-boy show-pony who wouldn't be sighted when the whips were cracking, but boy did he prove them wrong.

On September 18, 1986 in Chennai, India, that pretty-boy show-pony played arguably the gutsiest innings in the history of Test cricket.

On a day so hot that you could have fried an egg on a taxi bonnet, Deano batted himself to the point of physical and mental exhaustion.

At one stage he walked down the other end and told Border that he couldn't continue.

'Alright, go then,' snapped Captain Grumpy to his Victorian team-mate. 'I'll get a Queenslander out here to do the job'.

On September 18, 1986 in Chennai, India, Jones played arguably the gutsiest innings in the history of Test cricket

On September 18, 1986 in Chennai, India, Jones played arguably the gutsiest innings in the history of Test cricket

Deano looked daggers at him, strode back to the crease and batted on. And on and on and on.

Dehydrated, delirious, barely able to hold his bat and half blinded by sweat, he stayed out there for 502 minutes before being dismissed for 210 and setting up only the second tied Test in the game's history.

No-one ever called Dean Jones soft again.

And now he's gone. Dismissed early and suddenly to a heart attack in India, the country that he had come to know as his second home.

Today's young cricket fans will have their own heroes of course, and they will never believe that anyone born over 25 years ago will be able to hold a candle to them.

But they will be wrong. In the case of Dean Mervyn Jones, very wrong indeed.

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