Former England cricketer and Sussex seam bowler Tony Pigott has died on the age of 67 after he suffered a coronary heart assault final week.
Pigott, who was born in London on June 4, 1958, took greater than 1,000 skilled wickets, whereas he additionally memorably made a sole Check match look for England.
He managed to show his first first-class wicket right into a hat-trick on debut and his kind later noticed him earn a late call-up to England’s Check staff for a sport towards New Zealand in Christchurch in 1984.
Nonetheless, given the brief discover of his choice, he was pressured to postpone his wedding ceremony with the intention to play for his nation – and he went on to take two wickets within the Check.
After spending 18 years at Sussex, he moved to Surrey in 1994, however struggled with accidents and have become the membership’s second staff coach.
Pigott subsequently returned to his former county in 1997 the place he was CEO after main a takeover of the board.
Former cricketer Tony Pigott – who has died aged 67 – is pictured on Surrey obligation in 1996
He was extensively credited with laying the foundations for Sussex’s big success within the early 2000s, which included their first County Championship title in 2003.
Tributes poured in for Pigott following his passing on Sunday, together with from former Sussex captain Chris Adams, who he had recruited as membership captain from Derbyshire in 1998.
‘Tony was certainly one of, if not, the most important constructive transformative influences within the historical past of the membership,’ he advised Sussex’s website.
‘An extremely unhappy day for his household, the Sussex household and certainly the broader household of cricket. Personally, Tony performed an infinite half in moulding my life for the higher and was the primary purpose I signed for Sussex in 1998.
‘A very loveable, glass half full character who might be missed dearly by many. Thanks ‘Lester’ for the whole lot you probably did for Sussex CCC, the 2003 Championship in my eyes will at all times be devoted to you and the courageous few who stood up and have been counted in 1997.’
A number of others additionally hailed the previous bowler and lower-order batter as one fan mentioned: ‘RIP Tony, one of many most interesting gamers I grew up watching and one of many nicest guys I met spherical Hove.’
One other added: ‘Stepped as much as the plate manfully for England when required at brief discover in New Zealand. RIP Tony.’
An extra fan mentioned: ‘That is actually unhappy information, pivotal within the change wanted for achievement 20 years in the past, and in addition an excellent participant.’
Pigott (above in 1978), took greater than 1,000 skilled wickets and performed as soon as for England
Former umpire and Sussex wicket-keeper Ian Gould shared his personal tribute, saying: ‘It is terribly unhappy. Lester was one of many world’s nice characters.’
Adams later added his personal tribute on X as he posted: ‘Extremely unhappy, such a loveable character who might be missed by so many. Ideas and hugs with all blessed to have identified ‘Lester’.’
Throughout his tenure as Sussex’s CEO, Pigott helped to make sure that Hove turned the primary cricket floor within the UK to put in floodlights, whereas he was additionally hailed for the tradition he created.
After leaving the membership in 1999, Pigott went on to fulfil quite a lot of roles in cricket, together with as each a pitch inspector and match referee.
