The Australian domestic One-Day Cup is named as the Dean Jones Trophy, in a tribute to the former player, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in ODIs.
Jones garnered 6,068 runs in 164 ODIs at an average of 44.61, with seven tons and 46 half-centuries. Meanwhile, he slammed 10,936 runs in 285 List-A games at an average of around 47, with 19 centuries and 72 fifties.
The right-hander garnered 314 runs in eight innings to help Australia secure a title victory in the 1987 World Cup. He also captained the Victorian side, as they won the 1994-95 Domestic One-Day Cup. Unfortunately, Jones died in 2020 due to a heart attack in Mumbai after his IPL commentary stint.
Around 10,000 fans voted to shortlist the candidates for the honour following a web and social media campaign, #NameTheCup. Jones, Michael Bevan and Andrew Symonds were chosen by the fans, and their credentials were assessed by Cricket Hall of Fame Chair Peter King.
Based on ODI records and List-A accomplishments, King chose Dean Jones for the big honour. Following the development, Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said (via Cricket.com.au):
“Dean Jones is an icon of the game and pioneer in one day cricket, who entertained fans around the world wherever he played.”
“He was a World Cup winner, an innovator and possessed one of the best records in 50-over cricket for the era that he played. We are delighted to acknowledge his legacy in perpetuity by naming our premier one-day domestic competition in his honour,” he added.
Additionally, the committee also named the Player of the Final award the Michael Bevan Medal to acknowledge the contribution of the former all-rounder. Bevan scored 6,912 runs in 232 ODIs at an average of 53.58, with six centuries and 46 fifties and also picked up 36 wickets. He held an illustrious List-A record, slamming 15,103 runs in 427 games, with 13 tons.
Bevan played a key role in Australia’s title victories in 1999 and 2003 World Cup, scoring 264 runs and 148 runs, respectively. He held an average of around 50 in both editions of the marquee event.
The Dean Jones Trophy and Michael Bevan Medal will be awarded for the first time at the Final on March 1.
South Australia currently leads Australian Domestic One-Day Cup 2024-25 standings
The Australian Domestic One-Day Cup 2024-25 kickstarted on September 22. With a total of 22 games being scheduled to be played in the competition, 14 have already been completed.
Currently, South Australia are the table-toppers with three wins in five games and 16 points. They are led by keeper-batter Alex Carey, who has the same role with the Australian team in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.
Matt Renshaw is the top batter so far with 283 runs, while Sam Elliott has been the standout bowler with 12 wickets. The next round of the Australian Domestic One-Day Cup 2024-25 will be played in February, after the conclusion of the Big Bash League.
FAQs
What was Dean Jones’ track record against India in ODIs?
723 runs in 21 innings @42.52
How did Michael Bevan fare against India in ODIs?
1,081 runs in 35 innings @49.13
