Ex-England star Tony Pigott dies – who postponed personal wedding ceremony to play for nation

Former England cricketer Tony Pigott has died aged 67 after suffering a cardiac arrest last week.

The former Sussex seam bowler and chief executive joined his county as a teenager before earning a place in the England Test squad. His sole England Test cap came against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1984 – postponing his own wedding to play after being called up at short notice as injury cover.

Pigott spent 18 years playing for Sussex and later returned to the club after retirement to lead the club’s board. He appointed Chris Adams as captain in 1998, who lauded Pigott for building the foundations for their first County Championship win in 2003.

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Adams paid tribute, saying: “Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club.

“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.”

Sussex Cricket wrote: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Sussex Cricket player and Chief Executive, Tony Pigott.”

The ECB said: “Everyone at the ECB is deeply saddened by the news, and our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends.”

Pigott took over 1000 first-class and List A cricket wickets during his distinguished career.

The Sussex hero played over 260 first-class matches for his beloved county and Surrey, also scoring 4,841 runs, including a century and 20 half-centuries.