Dean Jones Was Part Of 'Toughest Australian Team': Sachin Tendulkar

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.

“While I was growing up, I had seen Dean Jones bat on a number of occasions, but when I went to Australia in 1991, getting a chance to play against someone whom you kind of grew up watching, I remember there were a number of players in their team like Allan Border, David Boon, Geoff Marsh, Bruce Reid, (Craig) McDermott. As a 13-year-old, 14-year-old kid, I had watched all these bowlers, I had watched all of them, and then I was playing against them, the likes of Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, so Dean Jones was without any doubt one of those guys I grew up watching, then to actually be playing against him was truly special.

“Australian team, I have gone on record saying that they have always been one of the toughest sides and possibly in the 90s if I have to say then the Australian team was the toughest side in cricket and he (Jones) was part of it,” Tendulkar told TimesofIndia.com.

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.