As the cricket world mourns the death of legendary Australian batsman Dean Jones, heartbreaking details emerged on Thursday how Brett Lee tried to save his compatriot in Mumbai.
Jones, who was in Mumbai as part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 broadcast set-up, died of a massive heart attack yesterday between 11.30 to 12:00 Jones. He was 59.
Before the start of yesterday’s match between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), players also paid their tribute to Jones in Dubai. Although the teams did not line up to observe a minute’s silence in memory of Jones, the players wore black armbands.
According to reports, at around 11 am, Jones, after finishing his breakfast, attended a briefing session for the day’s IPL broadcast. He then was seen enjoying a casual session of bat and ball with colleagues in the corridors of the hotel he was staying in South Mumbai.
Jones suddenly collapsed in the lobby of the hotel with former fast bowler Lee standing by his side. According to Daily Mail Australia, Lee desperately tried to revive him with CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). But in vain.
It’s also reported that Jones went for a run in the morning.
Later in the day, Lee and Scott Styris paid tribute Jones as they appeared in the Star Sports’ IPL show.
“He would’ve wanted us to be here tonight because it’s pretty much Deano’s dug-out tonight, an absolute legend. Obviously, the first thing is we send our condolences to his family, a really tough day for everyone, not only for his friends and family but also for the cricket world.
“What Deano would’ve wanted is for us to come out here in the dugout, get it done, have some fun for the game we all love,” said Lee as he tries to console Styris.
The former New Zealand all-rounder said that Jones “was on to me every day with new ideas on how we can make it better. So I think it’s the right thing to do to be here, it’s gonna be hard but we hope t make him feel proud tonight.
World Cup winner Jones was considered a pioneer in ODI cricket with his attacking approach at the crease, scoring 6,068 runs at an average of 44.61 in 164 matches.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed sadness at the passing Jones.
In a statement, ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: “We are extremely sad to hear of Dean’s sudden death and I would like to extend our deep condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the ICC.” (Outlook India)