Former England cricketer Tony Pigott has passed away at 67. Pigott, a former Sussex seam bowler, who amassed over 1,000 wickets during his career, died on Sunday after a heart attack. He had previously battled oesophageal cancer. Pigott gained recognition for his performances in the County Championship and his sole appearance for the England team, a memorable event in cricket lore.
In 1984, Pigott received a sudden call-up to play for England in a Test match against New Zealand in Christchurch. Despite having his wedding scheduled during the series, Pigott postponed it to honor the commitment to his national team. During his debut match, Pigott managed to take two wickets, although England suffered a heavy defeat.
Following his international stint, Pigott continued his cricket career at the county level, spending 18 years at Sussex before moving to Surrey in 1994. Due to recurring injuries, he transitioned into coaching, becoming the second-team coach for Surrey. He later returned to Sussex in 1997, eventually becoming the CEO after facilitating a successful takeover. Pigott played a crucial role in establishing Sussex’s dominance in the early 2000s, culminating in their first County Championship title in 2003.
During his tenure, Pigott spearheaded the installation of floodlights at Hove, making it the first cricket ground in the UK to have such facilities. He was affectionately known as ‘Lester,’ possibly named after the renowned jockey, Lester Piggott.
Tributes have poured in following Pigott’s demise. Former Sussex captain Chris Adams praised Pigott’s transformative influence on the club, citing him as a key reason for his own career choices. Adams fondly remembered Pigott as a positive figure who played a significant role in shaping his life and the history of Sussex Cricket Club.
In addition to Adams, ex-Sussex wicket-keeper and umpire Ian Gould also expressed sadness over Pigott’s passing, highlighting his charismatic personality. The cricket community mourns the loss of Pigott, recognizing him as a significant figure in the sport’s history.
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