The Dean Jones Trophy is the new name for the Australian Men’s domestic One-Day Cup. This honours the legacy of a cricket player whose inventive style of play revolutionised the 50-over format.
Jones, often called “Deano,” tragically died in 2020 at the age of fifty-nine. Jones, who bats aggressively, amassed 6,068 runs at an average of 44.81 in 164 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), including seven hundreds. Australia won the 1987 ODI World Cup thanks in large part to his contributions.
He played for Victoria at the domestic level, helping the team win a title in the 1994–95 season with 2,122 runs at an average of 50.52 in 55 games. Jones scored 10,936 runs at an average of 46.93 in all List A cricket. The choice to commemorate Jones was highlighted by Peter King, the chair of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
“One player’s performance, record, standing, contribution, and impact stood out enough for the selection committee of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame to unanimously choose them for this award. Dean Jones is deserving of credit for his enormous contribution to the one-day game, which he transformed and ingrained in the brains of all Australians,” King said.
Dad would be overjoyed to be recognised in this way: Dean Jones, Phoebe
Following a fan-driven effort earlier this year that selected Jones with fellow superstars Andrew Symonds and Michael Bevan, the trophy was renamed. In the end, Jones was selected by the Australia Cricket Hall of Fame committee based on his record, international accomplishments, and affiliation with the 50-over format.
“On behalf of the Jones family, we would like to express our gratitude for this acknowledgement of our father, whom we greatly miss. Knowing that its fans voted and that it will be unveiled today at what he dubbed “his office” at the MCG makes it even more special. Dad would be so happy to be recognised in this way. Jones’ daughter Phoebe said, “He loved playing for Victoria in this competition, and winning the 50-over World Cup for Australia in 1987 was what he described as the greatest cricketing day of my life.”
In honour of another one-day format legend, the Player of the Final will now receive the Michael Bevan Medal. At the season finale on March 1, the Dean Jones Trophy and Michael Bevan Medal will make their debuts.
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