No cricket lover could ever forget Dean Jones, while talking about cricket. The greatest Australian batsman, who is known for his knocks on the field rather than off field controversies. The career spell between 1984 to 1992, Jones was considered as the ace batsman for the Aussies side (remember the Chennai test of 1986). Beginning his career in the first class cricket in 1981–82 season, he made debut in Test against West Indies in 1984.

Johnes wore pads for 52 Test matches for Kangaroos between 1984 and 1992, scoring 3,631 runs, including 11 centuries, at abrilliant average of 46.55. His mindblowing performance at the Chennai Test in 1986 against India smashing 210 is a textbook for the young playesr and is a folklore for new generation cricket lovers.

Jones went on to be a mainstay of the Australian Test team middle order over the next six years until the controversial dropping of him during the 1992-93 Ashes series. Despite his super performance, the axing of this mascot was seen as a result of personal vendetta of then Australian coach Bob Simpson, which invited protests all around the country. The fans of Jones were upset over the decision, who questioned the motives of selectors creating a stir among the cricket circle during that time.

Jones still was a part of the one-day side for a brief time until the 1993 Ashes tour, where he was again dropped. But agin Jones found berth in the Aussies side for the 1993–94 season, which was his last term of the careeer.

Jones in his one day career of 164 matches scored 6,068 runs, including seven centuries and 46 half centuries, at an average of 44.61, another stupenduous performance. He made the crowd in the stadium dance with his positive, aggressive and flamboyant style of play.

After the retirement from first class cricket, Jones played various roles including, coach and a commentator. His condemnation of Muttiah Muralitharan over the bowlig action had hit the headlines of the news a few years ago. He was also in news for his remarks over South African player Hashim Amla in 2006.

Tags : Cricket, India, Sri Lanka, test, Australia, Muttiah Muralitharan, South Africa, Dean Jones, 1986, Chennai, Hashim Amla, century, runs, Ashes, Bob Simpson

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