Queensland Cricket is mourning the death of Clem Jones, the former Gabba groundsman and state life member, who passed away on Saturday aged 89. Jones, who was also a Brisbane lord mayor, was a long-time player, administrator and supporter of the game.

Damien Mullins, the Queensland Cricket chairman, said Jones' lasting contribution was towards the Gabba. "He served as a curator during his time as lord mayor when he prepared Test pitches," Mullins said. "He was chairman of the Brisbane Cricket Ground Trust and the Greyhound Racing Club and he was a driving force behind the creation of the Queensland Cricketers' Club."

Jones was also behind changes to the Gabba in the 1970s. "Despite the demolition of the grandstand that bore his name," Mullins said, "he was firmly behind the complete redevelopment of the ground that has resulted in the magnificent stadium Brisbane has today." Jones was a director of the Australian Board of Control for International Cricket during the 1960s was also a life member of warehouse cricket.