Men’s ODI Cup in Australia renamed as the Dean Jones Trophy for the upcoming domestic cricket season onwards.
Men’s ODI Cup has been christened as the Dean Jones Trophy.
The Australia Cricket Hall of Fame committee evaluated Jones, Michael Bevan, and Andrew Symonds after a campaign was started earlier this year via Cricket Australia’s digital platforms to find a shortlist of players to name the event after.
Being a great performer at the international level, having a strong record in the Men’s One-Day tournament, and being a player who is synonymous with the 50-over format were all important requirements for the award.
At the international level, Jones was a trailblazer in the 50-over game, scoring 6068 runs at 44.81. It is including seven hundreds, and being a member of the team that won the 1987 ODI World Cup. Jones, who died in September 2020 at the age of 59, scored 2122 runs at 50.52 in 55 domestic one-day matches for Victoria and helped them win the 1994–95 title. All in all, Jones scored 10,936 runs at 46.93 in List A cricket.
“When the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame selection committee assessed the players for this honour. One player’s performance, record, standing, contribution and impact stood out clearly for it to be a unanimous decision.” Peter King, the hall of fame chair, said
“Dean Jones revolutionised the one-day game and consequently stamped it on the minds of all Australians. It is deserved recognition for someone whose contribution was so vast.”
Jones’ daughter, Phoebe, said. “On behalf of the Jones family we are very grateful for this recognition of our Dad, who we miss dearly. It consequently makes it extra special knowing its fan voted and will be unveiled today at what he nicknamed ‘his office’ at the MCG.
“Dad would be extremely proud to receive this acknowledgement. He loved representing Victoria in this competition. Winning the 50-over World Cup in 1987 was what he described as the greatest cricketing day of his life.”