Tributes pour in for former England cricketer Tony Pigott
Former England cricketer and Sussex seam bowler Tony Pigott has died at the age of 67, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the cricketing world, reports BritPanorama.
Pigott enjoyed a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades, becoming known for his wholehearted commitment to every team he represented.
The ECB expressed its condolences, stating: “Everyone at the ECB is deeply saddened by the news, and our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends.” Sussex Cricket also acknowledged the loss, saying they were “saddened to learn of the passing” of a man who left an indelible mark on the county game.
Pigott announced himself to the cricketing world in spectacular fashion during his first-class debut against Surrey in 1978, claiming a hat-trick with his opening three deliveries. That extraordinary start set the tone for a prolific career that would see him amass more than 1,000 wickets across first-class and List A cricket.
Over 260 first-class matches for Sussex and Surrey, he took 672 wickets at an average of 30.99, while also contributing 4,841 runs, including a century and 20 half-centuries. His List A record proved equally impressive, with 377 wickets from 270 matches at an average of 24.39.
The seamer spent 18 years at Sussex before moving to Surrey in 1994. Pigott’s sole international appearance came during England’s tour of New Zealand in 1984, when he was summoned at short notice as injury cover for the Christchurch Test. He was forced to postpone his wedding to represent his country. Despite the difficult circumstances, he acquitted himself respectably, claiming two wickets in the first innings with figures of 2 for 75 from 17 overs.
However, the match proved a chastening experience for England, who suffered an innings and 132-run defeat after Richard Hadlee’s devastating bowling dismissed them twice for under 100. Pigott contributed 12 runs with the bat in what remained his only Test match. Following his playing career, he returned to Hove in 1997 to spearhead a boardroom takeover at Sussex, serving as chief executive until 1999.
Under his stewardship, the county became the first cricket ground in Britain to install floodlights and brought in Chris Adams from Derbyshire to captain the side in 1998. Adams credited Pigott with transforming the club’s fortunes, stating: “Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club.” Pigott later joined the ECB in 2005 as a Pitch Liaison Officer.
As the cricketing world mourns, Pigott’s legacy remains ingrained in the fabric of English cricket. His story is a reminder of how sport, dedication, and enduring influence can coalesce to leave a lasting mark on a beloved game.
