They called him the "One day Magic"
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They called him the One-day magic, not without a reason. Even before the advent of T20 Cricket, Dean Jones was one of the earliest advocates of aggression on three counts - batting, running between the wickets and fielding. He was the ultimate entertainer, during times when the game was seen as a traditional one.
One of my earliest memories of Dean Jones comes from the 1992 World Cup game against India. Better remembered for India's agonising one-run loss and the target set by the strange rain rule, Dean Jones scored a blistering 90. Earlier in the day, Australia had just lost both the openers and India had Javagal Srinath as first change. Those days, Srinath was exceptionally quick but what did Deano do? Walked without the helmet to the crease and took on the attack like only he could have done. 28 years afterwards, I could vividly recall that six over wide long on. Aerial shots off fast bowlers was an extreme rarity those days, Dean Jones was having nothing of it.
Known as a One-day specialist, Dean Jones didn't do too badly in the longer arena. His innings of 210 in punishing conditions in the Chennai tied test must be one of the greatest played by a visiting batsman in India. The fact that he could average over 45 in Test Cricket is a testament to his skills. Deano had his fair share of controversies from the commentary box, but he was so loved and appreciated by his peers. As an analyst, he carried one of the shrewdest cricketing brains. His Professor Deano show will live long in memory.