MUMBAI: Former Australia batsman and cricket commentator Dean Jones, who had been covering the Indian Premier League from Mumbai, has died after a heart attack aged 59, broadcaster Star India said Thursday.

"It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Mr. Dean Mervyn Jones," the company said in a statement.

"He died of a sudden cardiac arrest. We express our deep condolences to his family and stand ready to support them in this difficult time."

One of Australia's most popular cricketers, Jones played 52 Tests, scoring 3,631 runs, and 164 one-day internationals in the 1980s and 1990s, winning the World Cup in 1987.

The attacking player was renowned for his exploits in the 50-over game, where he scored 6,068 runs.

But the Victorian's most memorable innings was in 1986, when he struck 210 in the blistering heat of Chennai during cricket's second-ever tied Test.

"One hour into day two I knew I was in trouble," he told ESPNcricinfo.

"I didn't drink anything apart from a cup of tea or coffee. We didn't know anything about dehydration and rehydration back then. Then I just batted from memory basically. I can't remember much from 120 on."

Later he coached in the Pakistan Super League and was also a widely travelled commentator.

"Dean Jones was a hero to a generation of cricketers and will forever be remembered as a legend of this great game," Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings said in a statement.

"This is a truly sad day. Deano's loss will be felt not just at home in Australia, but across the globe."

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