Tributes have poured in following the death of Tony Pigott, who made one Test appearance for England against New Zealand in 1984 – having postponed his wedding in order to play
Sussex legend Tony Pigott has sadly died(Image: Phil Cole/ALLSPORT)
Former England cricketer Tony Pigott has died at the age of 67. Pigott, took more than 1,000 wickets in his professional career, passed away on Sunday.
The ex-Sussex seam bowler had suffered a heart attack, having previously won a battle with oesophageal cancer. As a player, Pigott was known for his record in the County Championship and one-and-only appearance for England which went down in cricket folklore.
In 1984, the London-born star received a late call-up for his country as they prepared for a Test match against New Zealand in Christchurch. The only problem? Pigott was supposed to get married during the series.
Deciding not to let England down, he postponed his wedding and flew out to New Zealand. Pigott didn’t leave empty-handed, taking two wickets.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page
READ MORE: England cricketers slapped with World Cup curfew after boozy Ashes antics
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be a dream debut for Pigott as the hosts won by an innings and 132 runs inside three days at Lancaster Park. He never played for England again.
At county level, the seamer spent 18 years at Sussex before moving to Surrey in 1994. Pigott struggled with recurring injuries and became the club’s second-team coach.
Pigott eventually returned to Sussex in 1997 and went on to become their CEO after leading a takeover. He helped lay the foundations for Sussex’s success in the early 2000s, as they won their first County Championship title in 2003.
Also during his reign, Pigott worked to ensure that Hove became the first cricket ground in the UK to install floodlights. He was nicknamed ‘Lester’ – most likely after the famous jockey, Lester Piggott.
Tributes have poured in since the news of Pigott’s death. Former Sussex captain Chris Adams, who Pigott signed from Derbyshire in 1998, paid a heartfelt tribute via Sussex’s website.
“Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club,” Adams said. “(It is) an incredibly sad day for his family, the Sussex family and indeed the broader family of cricket.
“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.”
Adams later posted another tribute on social media platform X. “Incredibly sad, such a loveable character who will be missed by so many,” he wrote. “Thoughts and hugs with all blessed to have known ‘Lester’.”
Ex-Sussex wicket-keeper and former umpire Ian Gould posted on social media: “It’s terribly sad. Lester was one of the world’s great characters.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
