Cricket Australia has issued a modern-day call to arms on social media as they seek to name the men’s domestic one-day trophy in honour of a former great.
The response on X overwhelmingly pointed 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 following a stroke.
He remains a fan favourite, with his footwork and aggressive technique at the crease ensuring he was a key member of the Aussie squads that won the 1987 ODI World Cup and the 1989 Ashes series in England.
Jones also averaged more than 50 with the bat for his beloved Victoria.
Criteria includes being a leading performer for Australia in ODI cricket, boasting an elite record in the men’s one-day domestic competition and being a player who is synonymous with the 50-over format of the sport.
This can be via elite performance or inspiring evolution in the way the format is played.
‘The Dean Jones Cup. Arguably the man who made one day cricket entertaining,’ posted one fan.
Cricket Australia are seeking to name the men’s domestic one-day trophy in honour of a former great – the response on X overwhelmingly pointed to one person – the late Dean Jones
Michael Bevan – who so often rescued Australia at the crease in ODI matches during his career – also has strong claims
Late cricket legends Shane Warne (middle) and Andrew Symonds (right) will also be considered by Cricket Australia
Another said: ‘Dean Jones. Stop the vote.’ A third weighed in with: ‘It is a toss up between Dean Jones and Michael Bevan.’
Canberra raised Bevan, 54, is widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest ever ODI batters, with Shane Warne, Andrew Symonds and Steve Waugh also popular choices online.
Symonds died in May of 2022 following a car accident in Queensland just two months after Warne suffered a heart attack while holidaying 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,’ CA cricket chief James Allsopp said.
‘Naming the one-day domestic trophy after one of our greats is another opportunity for Australian cricket to honour the legacy of our past cricketers while further strengthening the connection between past and present players.
‘With so many legends of one-day cricket, we know that whoever the trophy is named after in perpetuity will be thoroughly deserving of the honour.’
According to Cricket Australia’s website, over the next few weeks the case for the greatest contributions to the men’s one-day competition will be explored via articles, video highlights and social media posts plus associated social channels.
Fans can be part of the process by engaging those social channels, voting in polls on cricket.com.au, the CA Live app, or emailing onedaycup@cricket.com.au.
