Dean Jones Was 'Dear Friend' And Everyone Liked Him: Kapil Dev

Former Australia cricketer Dean Jones, a part of the official broadcasters panel for IPL 2020, left the world mourning with his untimely demise on Thursday. Jones was 59 years old and passed away following a cardiac arrest. Jones was a much loved character and an inspiration to many. He had donned several hats including that of a coach and commentator.

1983 World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev paid his tribute to Jones. He said that the former Australia cricketer will always be remembers as the members of the big league who had contributed immensely to the sport. He also recalled his last meeting with Jones, last year in Mumbai, and said that he was a dear friend and love by everyone.

“Dean will be remembered as one of the members of the big league who have contributed to this game. His commitment to the game can be compared to the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Michael Holding, Tony Grieg, Richie Benaud and Clive Lloyd,” Kapil Dev told Sportskeeda on Thursday evening.

“Dean was a dear friend of mine. He was extremely friendly and had a good sense of humour. He was liked by all and he wanted to work all the time. Be it commentary, coaching, writing a blog or acting like a professor. He was always at it,” he added.

The official broadcasters did a commendable job after the passing away of Jones. They paid him tribute by placing his coach and the red diary at one of the spots, where he used to sit, while the live coverage of various events. Commentators and experts associated with the broadcast team including former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris, who was very close to Jones, are deeply saddened by the unceremonious incident.

Jones played played 52 Tests and scored 3631 runs including 11 centuries, and featured in 164 One-Dayers, racking up 6063 runs, seven centuries and 46 fifties. Jones was in Mumbai as part of IPL official broadcaster’s commentary panel.