The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Australian cricketing legend and Club great, Dean Jones AM.
An Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductee, Jones was a much-loved Test and One-Day cricketer, best known for revolutionising ODI cricket through his entertaining and fierce batting and dynamic running between the wickets.Jones is the MCC’s most capped Australian Test player having played 52 matches, including six at the MCG.
In amongst appearances for the Test, ODI and Victorian sides, Jones played 67 1st XI matches for the MCC, totaling 2,535 runs for an average of 52.81.
MCC President Michael Happell said Jones’ legacy as a tenacious and formidable cricketer across all levels of the game will live on at the Club and the MCG.
“Dean Jones was a loved, respected and admired player and person by all at the Melbourne Cricket Club,” Mr Happell said.
“He wore the treasured hooped MCC cap with great pride and distinction including in three 1st XI premierships with the Club.”
Dean Jones batting for Australia during the Australian Bicentennial match between Australia and England at the MCG, 4th February 1988. (Photo by Patrick Eagar/Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
“He was a true MCC person and his commitment was cemented by coming back and assisting the Club and its youngsters by playing several 2nd XI matches in the 1999/2000 season.
“Dean will be missed by so many, including everyone at the Melbourne Cricket Club who send their condolences to his wife Jane, daughters Isabella and Phoebe, extended family and friends during this terrible time,” he said.
In his 52 tests for Australia, Jones made 11 centuries with an average of 46.55 since making his debut in 1984 as a 22-year-old. A highlight of his Test career was an incredible 210 runs in stifling heat in the 1986 drawn Test against India in Madras.
Jones’ ODI career is filled with accolades and remains one of the best ODI careers in the world, ranked fifth in the ICC Men’s All-Time ODI Rankings for batting.
Playing 164 ODIs, Jones amassed 6,068 runs at an average of 44.61, including seven centuries, and was ranked number one ODI batsman in the world four years in a row between 1989 and 1992. He was also an instrumental member of Australia’s inaugural World Cup winning team in 1987, making 314 runs throughout the tournament at an average of 44.85.
During his ODI career, Jones played 35 matches at the MCG, making a total of 1,287 runs, including twelve 50s and is the third highest Australian ODI run scorer at the MCG.
A proud Victorian, Jones also played numerous Sheffield Shield matches for Victoria at the MCG, during which he recorded his highest first-class score of 324 against South Australia.
A tribute to Dean Jones at the Albert Ground. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
“Deano was a wonderful contributor to cricket at the MCC. We provided him with a home to develop his talent and he not only helped the Club achieve elite success at the Premier level with three premierships but importantly he was involved at all levels of our program - especially with our junior and pathway players,” Mr King said.
“Doug Patrick, the MCC’s talent identification guru, only had to call Dean and he would make himself available to provide guidance to our young players. He prided himself on his work with kids.
“Deano loved the MCC. He embraced our culture and love for the long-term legacies that our club has built.
“From a personal perspective, I played with him in the Victorian side in his early days and he played in the premiership team that I led in 1988/89 and was a wonderful contributor to our ultimate success in both formats.
“You stood taller when Dean was in your team. Whenever he took to the field he was a fierce competitor and he thrived in the contest - he loved the game, the camaraderie, the way he could contribute and the impact he could have.
“At whatever level in the game of cricket, Deano was a true and authentic participant. You always knew what you were going to get from him and he never disappointed. His energy and passion was forever evident in everything he did.
“He has left an indelible impact on the people who knew him and the game of cricket more broadly. We are proud that Deano wore the treasured hooped MCC cap. Our sincere condolences go out to Jane and his family,” he said.
The Dean Jones Bar at the MCG. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Jones has a permanent presence at the MCG, with the Dean Jones Bar in the Ponsford Stand officially opened in February 2010 in recognition of Jones’ contribution to cricket in Australia. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Jones’ family and friends during this difficult time.
Vale Dean Jones.
Banner image: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images