Related Articles
In a tribute to one of Australia’s most iconic cricketers, the Men’s Domestic One-Day Cup has been renamed the Dean Jones Trophy. This decision honors Jones’ remarkable contributions to cricket, particularly his transformative impact on the limited-overs game.
The decision followed a campaign earlier this year on Cricket Australia’s digital platforms, where fans were invited to nominate candidates. The shortlist, comprising Dean Jones, Michael Bevan, and Andrew Symonds, was reviewed by the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame committee.
Table of content
Why Dean Jones?
Dean Jones’ career epitomized excellence and innovation in the one-day format. Key highlights include:
- Domestic Record: Jones scored 2122 runs at an impressive average of 50.52 in 55 one-day matches for Victoria, leading the team to a title in the 1994-95 season.
- International Achievements: Jones amassed 6068 ODI runs at an average of 44.81, including seven centuries. He was instrumental in Australia’s 1987 ODI World Cup victory, a moment he called “the greatest cricketing day of his life.”
- List A Legacy: Across all List A cricket, he scored 10,936 runs at 46.93.
Hall of Fame Chair Peter King highlighted Jones’ revolutionary impact on the one-day game:
“Dean Jones revolutionised the one-day game and stamped it on the minds of all Australians. It is deserved recognition for someone whose contribution was so vast.”
Family’s Emotional Tribute
Jones’ daughter, Phoebe Jones, expressed the family’s gratitude for this posthumous honor:
“On behalf of the Jones family, we are very grateful for this recognition of our Dad, who we miss dearly. It makes it extra special knowing it’s fan-voted and will be unveiled today at what he nicknamed ‘his office’ at the MCG.”
The Michael Bevan Medal
Alongside the naming of the Dean Jones Trophy, the Player of the Final award will now be named the Michael Bevan Medal, recognizing another legend of Australian one-day cricket renowned for his finishing prowess.
The First Presentation
The newly named Dean Jones Trophy and the Michael Bevan Medal will be awarded for the first time during the 2024 One-Day Cup final on March 1.
This initiative not only celebrates Jones’ legacy but also ensures his pioneering contributions to cricket are remembered for generations to come.
