Jones’s record score lifts Australia’s morale

Press, 2 June 1989, Page 27

Jones’s record score lifts Australia’s morale

NZPA-AAP Birmingham The record-breaking double century by Dean Jones at the Edgbaston cricket ground yesterday lifted more than the 12 big sixes he hit along the way in the Australians first innings score of 444 for three declared.

At stumps Warwickshire was 28 for two.

Although scored against a Warwickshire county side considered by many to be "second string,” Jones’s spectacular innings noticeably boosted morale in the Australian touring side. Somewhat let down after missing out in the one-day series earlier this week, the Australians were jubilant after Jones, and Tom Moody, rewrote a few records on

the first day of the threeday game against Warwickshire.

Jones's punishing total of 248 off 284 balls, which also included 19 boundaries, was a personal best, and the highest score in English first class cricket this season.

His 12 sixes eclipsed the Australian first class record that had stood for 36 years, set by Richie Benaud in 1953 at Scarborough against T. N. Pearce's XL The 349 runs collected by Jones, and Moody, was a record partnership for a match between the Australians and Warwickshire.

Moody joined Jones yesterday when the Australians were 95 for two, Mark Taylor having been stumped for 30 when he charged down the pitch looking for a six of his

own off Adrian Pierson. Jones reached his century in the 55th over with a neat cover drive off the back foot for four, and Moody made his ton with a push to square leg for two in the 75th over. Jones reached his double century in the 88th over, pushing two runs off Tim Munton.

He got there in 304 minutes off 258 balls, with seven sixes, and 19 fours. Jones was finally out in the 93rd over when, trying for yet another six, he skied a ball from Asif Din to Gary Steer at extra cover. Warwickshire began its innings badly, with Andy Moles out lbw to Merv Hughes for 14 runs, and Jason Ratcliffe bowled by Hughes three runs later for six.