Cricket legend Dean Jones died on Thursday night of a heart attack, aged 59, in a Mumbai hotel.
Australian cricket legend Brett Lee returned to TV just hours after he desperately tried to save his broadcast colleague’s life.
He and Lee were set to feature together in Star India’s English commentary for the 2020 Indian Premier League.
However Jones suffered a sudden heart attack in the lobby of their hotel, and Lee reportedly sprung into action and attempted CPR.
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The sports veteran was taken by ambulance to hospital but was unable to be saved.
The tragic event took place only hours before the pair were due to go to air.
Lee eventually went on to front the cameras without his mate after the traumatic event.
“I think the thing we want to say about Deano is he would have wanted us to be here tonight,” Lee said.
“It’s pretty much the ‘Select Deano’ we call it. It’s Deano’s dugout tonight.
“He is an absolute legend.
“Firstly to his family and friends we send our condolences. It’s a real tough day for everyone, not only for his close mates and the whole cricketing world in general.
“What Deano would’ve wanted is for us to come out here in the dugout, get it done, have some fun for the game we all love.”
Just a few days earlier, Shane Warne had tweeted about how much he enjoyed the commentary team, to which Lee replied: “Yep it’s a lot of fun.”
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The cricket world is mourning the loss of Jones.
Australian Men’s Head Coach Justin Langer said he was “shocked and very sad to hear of his passing”.
“Deano was a true legend of Australian sport and world cricket, one of the great players and personalities in a golden time for the game,” he said.
“His role in the team’s World Cup win in 1987 and the 1989 Ashes under AB were a huge turning point for Australian cricket.”
The operator of the broadcast, Star India, said Jones was one of the “great ambassadors of the game”.
“He was passionate about discovering new talent and nurturing young cricketers.
“He was a champion commentator whose presence and presentation of the game always brought joy to millions of fans.”
