Career Beginnings and Playing Highlights

Former Sussex seam bowler and chief executive Tony Pigott has passed away at the age of 67.

Pigott began his cricket career with Sussex as a teenager, making an immediate impact by taking a hat-trick with his first three balls on his first-class debut against Surrey in 1978.

He earned a single Test cap for England in 1984, playing against New Zealand in Christchurch. Notably, Pigott postponed his wedding to represent his country after being called up at short notice as injury cover.

Later Playing and Coaching Career

After 18 years with Sussex, Pigott moved to Surrey in 1994. However, recurring injury problems led him to transition into coaching, and by 1996 he was serving as second team coach at the Oval.

Leadership and Impact at Sussex

In 1997, Pigott returned to Sussex to lead a board takeover. Under his leadership, Sussex became the first cricket ground in the UK to install floodlights, a significant development for the club.

He was instrumental in recruiting Chris Adams from Derbyshire as Sussex's new captain in 1998. Although Pigott stepped down from his role the following year, Adams credited him with laying the foundation for Sussex's first County Championship title in 2003.

"Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club," Adams told the club website.

"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," Adams added. "The 2003 Championship in my eyes will always be dedicated to you and the brave few who stood up and were counted in 1997."

Career Achievements

Throughout his career, Pigott took over 1,000 wickets in first-class and List A cricket, marking him as a significant figure in English cricket both on and off the field.