The cricket world has paid tribute to Dean Jones after he died of a heart attack in Mumbai on Thursday.
The Australian cricketing great was overseas to cover the Indian Premier League for TV network Star Sports.
He was aged just 59.
Australia Test coach Justin Langer said he was shocked after hearing the news, lauding Jones as a “true legend” of the sporting world.
"What a great player and a great bloke," he said in a statement.
"We are shocked and very sad to hear of his passing.
"Deano was a true legend of Australian sport and world cricket, one of the great players and personalities in a golden time for the game.
“His role in the team's World Cup win in 1987 and the 1989 Ashes under (Allan Border) were a huge turning point for Australian cricket.
"His double century in (India) was one of the greatest and most courageous innings of all time."
Cricket Victoria CEO Andrew Ingleton said Jones’ tragic passing would be felt across all aspects of the cricket community.
“Dean was one of those players who excited you, who had that swagger at the crease that made him a compelling player to watch,” he said.
“He inspired cricket fans here and around the world. Beyond the field, he was deeply passionate about Victorian cricket and making our high performance systems as successful as they could be.
“Dean wanted Victoria to be the best and his passing will be heavily felt across our cricket community.”
Cricket Australia Chair Earl Eddings said it was a “truly sad day” for the sport.
“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 Cricket Australia statement.
"Anyone who watched cricket in the 1980s and 1990s will fondly recall his cavalier approach at the crease and the incredible energy and passion he brought to every game he played.
“Although many remember him for his brilliance in the 50-over game, arguably Jones’ finest moment in the national team came in scorching conditions in Chennai in 1986, where his selfless and courageous innings of 210 helped Australia to a famous tie against India.
“Jones remained an immensely popular figure in Australian and Victorian cricket throughout his life and was a much-loved columnist and commentator in every corner of the cricketing world.
“This is a truly sad day. Deano’s loss will be felt not just at home in Australia, but across the globe. Our thoughts and best wishes are with his wife Jane and daughters Isabella and Phoebe.”
Jones played 52 Tests and 164 One Day Internationals for Australia, as well as 245 first-class matches for Victoria.
Since his retirement as a player, he became a prominent cricket commentator and coach.
He was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame last year.
Below are some of the tributes to Dean Jones from the cricketing world.
I am uncomfortably numb we spoke on the phone for almost 2 hours just a few days ago & now you are gone. So glad we reunited my friend after too many years apart. This photo a memory I’ll cherish forever. Rest easy Big Tuna I’ll miss our passionate cricket chats 💔 #PSLChamps pic.twitter.com/yOBpd6CH78
— Darren Berry (@ChuckBerry1969) September 24, 2020
I can’t believe this news. So very sad to hear about this. Rip Deano, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Mc8h36gnWe
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) September 24, 2020
Speechless with the tragic news of the passing of my great mate and beloved cricketing man.
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) September 24, 2020
You will be sorely missed by your cricketing family, sincere condolences to Jane and the girls. #RIP #Deano
Really shocking to lose a colleague and a dear friend - Dean Jones. Gone so young. Condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace #RIPDeanJones 🙏 - @cricketcomau pic.twitter.com/pckNBow5Sv
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) September 24, 2020
Speechless. Devastated. RIP great man 🙏🏻 https://t.co/mt5RQf2luW
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) September 24, 2020
Awful to hear the news of Dean Jones passing away in Mumbai. He was a wonderful player for Australia and he will be missed. My thoughts are with his family. RIP Deano https://t.co/AmVhQiNEe2
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) September 24, 2020
Such sad news. Growing up as a young kid watching his highlights inspired me to play the game. You will be sadly missed mate. RIP Deano 🙏🏻💙
— Peter Siddle (@petersiddle403) September 24, 2020
Absolutely heartbreaking news about Dean Jones passing away.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 24, 2020
A wonderful soul taken away too soon. Had the opportunity to play against him during my first tour of Australia.
May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to his loved ones. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/u6oEY1h7zz
Shocked to hear about the tragic loss of Dean Jones. Praying for strength and courage to his family and friends. 🙏🏻
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 24, 2020
Incredibly shocked by the news that Dean Jones has passed away. Had a poster of the great man in my room as a kid. And was lucky to have him as a batting coach 1st year of BBL. Thoughts are with his family at this extremely tough time. #RIPDeano
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) September 24, 2020
You can listen to SEN's tribute to Dean Jones in the player below.