Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones will be paid a special tribute on Day 1 of the Boxing-Day Test match between India and Australia, starting from December 26. Jones was part of the Star Sports commentary team for Indian Premier League 2020 and was in a bio-secure bubble in a seven-star hotel in Mumbai. He was 59-year-old while breathing his last. One of the most loved commentators in India, Jones almost became synonymous to the sport. His voice from the stands was so pleasing to the ears and his understanding of the game made it more eventful.
Jones will be paid a special tribute during tea time on Day 1 of the test match. Dean’s wife Jane and his daughters Isabella and Phoebe will be also present amid a crowd of 30000 spectators. As per Cricket Australia’s plans, a whole bay of seats will be covered in a banner for the entire Test, which will recognise the Victorian great’s contribution to the game.
Also Read: Australian Legend Dean Jones Dies In Mumbai
It will include the reading of a poem about Jones written by his great friend, Chris Driscoll. There will be a video tribute at 3.24 pm, recognising Jones’ Test number, 324. That number was also his highest first-class score, scored against South Australia on the MCG in 1994.
A legend of his era, Dean Jones represented Australia in 52 Test matches scoring 3631 runs at an average of 46.55. With a 216 as his best score, Jones scored 11 centuries and was an important member of Allan Border’s team. Jones also played 164 ODIs and scored 6068 runs with the help of seven centuries and 46 fifties.
Meanwhile, Star Sports with whom Dean Jones was working during the IPL, had a special statement served out after his unfortunate demise.
“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.
Also Read: Team India Announces Playing XI For Boxing-Day Test