New Delhi [India], September 24: Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith on Thursday mourned the demise of former cricketer Dean Jones and said that he was a "wonderful player for Australia". Jones passed away in Mumbai due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 59. "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," Smith wrote on Instagram. Australia limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch shared his thoughts with Jones' family and termed the cricketer as "great man" who had an "amazing passion" for the game. Dean Jones Dies Due to Cardiac Arrest in Mumbai, Australian Cricketer-Turned-Commentator Was 59.

"Still in shock hearing the news of Deanos passing. Thoughts are with Jane and the family at this incredibly tough time. A great man with an amazing passion for the game," Finch tweeted. RIP Dean Jones: Former Australian Cricketer Shutting Down Internet Troll With a Savage Response Just a Day Before His Sudden Death Is How Fans Will Remember Him!

Steve Smith Pays Tribute!!

Aaron Finch Mourns!!

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan said his hero has "gone far too soon". "This is so sad ... A hero of mine has gone far too soon ... always offered so much advice to us younger players when he played at Derby ... #RIPDeano," Vaughan wrote on Twitter.

Michael Vaughan Saddened!!

India batsman Ajinkya Rahane also expressed grief over the demise of former Australia cricketer on Twitter and wrote, "Shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of Dean Jones. My condolences to his friends and family."

Ajinkya Rahane Shocked!!

"Absolutely Shocked and deeply sad to hear about the sudden demise of @ProfDeano. My condolences to his friends and family. You will be missed #RIP," Rashid Khan tweeted.

Rashid Khan Offers Condolences!!

Star India is currently in touch with the Australian High Commission to make the necessary arrangements. "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of 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 an official statement.

Jones was one of the great ambassadors of the game associating himself with the development of cricket 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.

Jones had become a household name by playing in an aggressive manner for the Australian side from 1980-1990. Jones was selected on the 1984 tour of the West Indies after Graham Yallop had to pull out due to injury. He was not picked in the original XI but was drafted into the side after Steve Smith fell ill. Jones went on to score 48 on his debut and he hailed it as his best knock as he fell ill before the match. Between 1984 and 1992, Jones played 52 Test matches for Australia, scoring 3,631 runs, including 11 centuries, at an average of 46.55. His most notable innings was in only his third Test against India in the Tied Test in Chennai (Madras) in 1986.

Suffering from dehydration in the oppressively hot and humid conditions, Jones was seen frequently vomiting on the pitch. Jones went on to score 210 and this innings of 210 remains the highest score by an Australian cricketer in India. Jones also played 164 ODIs for Australia, managing to score 6,068 runs at an average of 44.61. After his playing career, the former Australian batsman became a reputed commentator and also enjoyed a coaching stint in Pakistan Super League.

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