The Australian cricket legend, who passed away this week, smashed a century at Eastern Oval while playing for Victoria in the Sir Robert Menzies memorial match against England in 1990.

Former president of Wendouree City Cricket Club Peter Morey remembers it well.

"He hit so many balls onto the bowling green that people had to duck for cover," he recalled.

"We all thought he was the most exciting and aggressive cricketer."

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Morey had been appointed to look after the English squad while staying in Ballarat. As such, he was in the English dressing room when the team returned from the pitch.

"They were very annoyed that he was belting them," he said with a laugh.

It was one of countless memorable performances from Jones, whose cavalier approach to the game made him a hero to a generation of cricketers. But his actions three years earlier made a bigger impression on Morey.

Jones was in Ballarat not long after the tragic death of local cricketer Graeme Lowe.

Lowe, who played first grade for Wendouree City, was at the crease when the ball careened off his bat into his neck. He died almost instantly.

"He went to hook it and got a top edge into his neck," recalled Morey.

"It was a terrible time for all of us, he had a wife and two kids and was a terrific bloke.

"We were in disbelief, because it just couldn't happen could it? It was such a rare occurrence and unbelievably bad luck."

Jones was teaching a clinic at Ballarat Grammar at the time and had heard about the incident. In an effort to help, he agreed to sign a bat which went on display as a raffle prize at a fundraising event for Lowe's family.

"Phil Mann and I wen't up and asked him to sign the bat," Morey said.

"I think he was quite happy to help and was very friendly that day."

The event, which was hosted by Harry Beitzel and Rob Astbury, was attended by the likes of Steve Moneghetti, Gary Gullock and Robert DiPierdomenico.

It raised more than $5000 for Lowe's family, which at the time was no small amount.

"He (Jones) was very conscience of what had happened and was keen to help, but he was unable to attend the function," Morey said.

Prior to his unexpected death, Jones had been in Mumbai commentating on the Indian Premier League, and had appeared in coverage as recently as this week.