- The late Dean Jones was the player many fans voted for in X
- Jones died at the age of 59 in 2020 in Mumbai after suffering a stroke.
- Michael Bevan and Shane Warne also have strong claims
Cricket Australia has issued a modern call to arms on social media as it looks to name the men’s domestic one-day trophy after a former great.
The answer in X pointed overwhelmingly to one person: the late Dean Jones.
The Victorian-born batsman, who played 52 Tests and 164 One-Day Internationals in his decorated career, died in 2020 in Mumbai after a stroke.
He remains a fan favourite, with his footwork and aggressive technique at the crease ensuring he was a key member of the Australian teams that won the 1987 ODI World Cup and the 1989 Ashes series in England.
Jones also averaged over 50 with the bat for his beloved Victoria.
The criteria include being a leading Australian player in ODI cricket, having an elite record in the men’s domestic one-day competition and being a player who is synonymous with the sport’s 50-overs format.
This can be achieved through elite performance or through an inspiring evolution in the way the format is played.
“The Dean Jones Cup. Possibly the man who made a day of cricket entertaining,” posted one fan.
Cricket Australia is looking to name the men’s domestic one-day trophy after a former great – the answer in X overwhelmingly pointed to one person: the late Dean Jones.
Michael Bevan, who bailed Australia out at the crease in ODI matches so many times during his career, also has strong claims.
Cricket legends Shane Warne (centre) and Andrew Symonds (right) will also be considered by Cricket Australia
Another said: “Dean Jones, stop the vote.” A third said: “It’s a tough choice between Dean Jones and Michael Bevan.”
Canberra-raised Bevan, 54, is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best ODI batsmen, with Shane Warne, Andrew Symonds and Steve Waugh also popular choices in the line-up.
Symonds died in May 2022 following a car crash in Queensland, just two months after Warne suffered a heart attack while on holiday in Thailand.
“Australia has a rich history in one-day cricket and the format has produced inspirational players and teams for generations of cricket fans,” said CA head of cricket James Allsopp.
‘Naming the national one-day trophy after one of our greats is another opportunity for Australian cricket to honour the legacy of our players of the past while also further strengthening the connection between players past and present.
“With so many legends of one-day cricket, we know that whoever carries the trophy’s name in perpetuity will be fully deserving of that honour.”
According Cricket Australia WebsiteIn the coming weeks, the case for the biggest contributions to the men’s one-day competition will be explored through articles, feature videos and social media posts, in addition to associated social channels.
Fans can be part of the process by engaging on those social channels, voting in polls on cricket.com.au, the CA Live app or by emailing onedaycup@cricket.com.au.
