Former England cricketer Tony Pigott, known for his impressive career with over 1,000 wickets, has passed away at the age of 67. Pigott, a former Sussex seam bowler, succumbed to a heart attack after battling oesophageal cancer. His notable achievements in the County Championship and a memorable appearance for England have left a mark in cricket history.
In a significant turn of events in 1984, Pigott received a sudden call-up to play for England against New Zealand in Christchurch, despite having wedding plans during the series. Postponing his marriage, Pigott joined the team in New Zealand and managed to claim two wickets in the match.
However, Pigott’s debut for England did not go as planned, as the hosts clinched a victory by an innings and 132 runs at Lancaster Park within three days. Despite this, Pigott’s legacy continued at the county level, where he spent 18 years at Sussex before moving to Surrey in 1994 due to recurring injuries, eventually becoming the second-team coach.
Returning to Sussex in 1997, Pigott played a crucial role in the club’s success, leading to their first County Championship title in 2003. He was instrumental in introducing floodlights at Hove, making it the first cricket ground in the UK to have them. Known affectionately as ‘Lester,’ Pigott’s influence and dedication were widely acknowledged by the cricket community.
Following Pigott’s demise, tributes have poured in from former colleagues and players. Chris Adams, a former Sussex captain, hailed Pigott as a transformative figure in the club’s history, emphasizing his positive impact on the team and players. Pigott’s contributions were also recognized by Ian Gould, a former Sussex wicket-keeper and umpire, who described him as one of cricket’s great characters.
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