Former England cricketer, Tony Pigott, has passed away at 67. Pigott, known for taking over 1,000 wickets in his career, died after suffering a heart attack. He had previously battled oesophageal cancer. Pigott made a significant impact in the County Championship and had a memorable one-time appearance for the England team in cricket history.
In 1984, Pigott was unexpectedly called up to play for England against New Zealand in Christchurch, despite having wedding plans during the series. Choosing to prioritize his country, he delayed his wedding and traveled to New Zealand, where he managed to secure two wickets. However, the match ended in a loss for England, and Pigott never played for the national team again.
At the county level, Pigott spent 18 years at Sussex before moving to Surrey in 1994 due to recurring injuries. He later returned to Sussex in 1997, eventually becoming the club’s CEO after leading a takeover. Pigott played a crucial role in Sussex’s success, including their first County Championship victory in 2003, and was instrumental in installing floodlights at Hove cricket ground.
Following Pigott’s death, tributes poured in from the cricket community. Former Sussex captain Chris Adams expressed deep sorrow, highlighting Pigott’s significant influence on the club’s history and his personal life. He praised Pigott for shaping his career and credited him for Sussex’s achievements. Pigott was affectionately known as ‘Lester’ and will be dearly missed by many.
Additionally, ex-Sussex wicket-keeper and former umpire Ian Gould also shared his sadness over Pigott’s passing, describing him as a remarkable character. The cricket community mourns the loss of Pigott, recognizing his lasting impact on the sport. Sky recently enhanced its TV and sports bundle to include popular streaming services along with comprehensive coverage of sports events, including the Premier League and EFL matches.