Former England cricketer and Sussex seam bowler Tony Pigott has died at the age of 67 after he suffered a heart attack last week.
Pigott, who was born in London on June 4, 1958, took more than 1,000 professional wickets, while he also memorably made a sole Test match appearance for England.
He managed to turn his first first-class wicket into a hat-trick on his debut and his form later saw him earn a late call-up to England’s Test team for a game against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1984.
However, given the short notice of his selection, he was forced to postpone his wedding in order to play for his country – and he went on to take two wickets in the Test.
After spending 18 years at Sussex, he moved to Surrey in 1994, but struggled with injuries and became the club’s second team coach.
Pigott subsequently returned to his former county where he became CEO after leading a takeover of the board.
Former cricketer Tony Pigott – who has died aged 67 – is pictured on Surrey duty in 1996
He was widely credited with laying the foundations for Sussex’s huge success in the early 2000s, which included their first County Championship title in 2003.
Tributes poured in for Pigott following his passing on Sunday, including from former Sussex captain Chris Adams, who he had recruited as the club’s new captain from Derbyshire in 1998.
‘Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club,’ he told Sussex’s website.
‘An incredibly sad day for his family, the Sussex family and indeed the broader family of cricket. Personally, Tony played an enormous part in moulding my life for the better and was the number one reason I signed for Sussex in 1998.
‘A really loveable, glass half full character who will be missed dearly by many. Thank you ‘Lester’ for everything you did for Sussex CCC, the 2003 Championship in my eyes will always be dedicated to you and the brave few who stood up and were counted in 1997.’
Several others also hailed the former bowler and lower-order batter as one fan said: ‘RIP Tony, one of the finest players I grew up watching and one of the nicest guys I met round Hove.’
Another added: ‘Stepped up to the plate manfully for England when required at short notice in New Zealand. RIP Tony.’
A further fan said: ‘This is really sad news, pivotal in the change needed for success 20 years ago, and also a very good player.’
Pigott (above in 1978), took more than 1,000 professional wickets and played once for England
Former umpire and Sussex wicket-keeper Ian Gould shared his own tribute, saying: ‘It’s terribly sad. Lester was one of the world’s great characters.’
Adams later added his own tribute on X as he posted: ‘Incredibly sad, such a loveable character who will be missed by so many. Thoughts and hugs with all blessed to have known ‘Lester’.’
During his tenure at Sussex’s CEO Pigott helped to ensure that Hove became the first cricket ground in the UK to install floodlights, while he was also hailed for the culture he created.
After leaving the club in 1999, Pigott went on to fulfil a variety of roles in cricket, including as both a pitch inspector and match referee.
More to follow.
