Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones has passed away after a sudden cardiac arrest in Mumbai.

Jones, 59, was part of the Star Sports commentary panel for the ongoing Indian Premier League.

“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.

“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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” the statement added.

Jones coached the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, Islamabad United, which won the title in 2016 and 2018. He was also the head coach of Karachi Kings in the fifth edition of PSL.

He played 52 Tests, 3631 runs at an average of 46.55, and 164 ODIs, 6068 runs at 44.61, for Australia from 1984 till 1994. He was also part of Australia's 1987 triumphant World Cup team.  

One of Jones’s most memorable innings came in the tied Test against India in Chennai in 1986, when he battled extreme heat and physical exhaustion to notch a memorable double century.

“His double century in Madras was one of the greatest and most courageous innings of all time,” Australia coach Justin Langer said, while also praising Jones for his role in the 1987 World Cup win and 1989 Ashes series which Australia won 4-0.

“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.”

Earl Eddings, chair of Cricket Australia, said Jones would be sorely missed by fans around the world.

“Dean Jones was a hero to a generation of cricketers and will forever be remembered as a legend of this great game,” Eddings said in a statement.

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