Former England cricketer Tony Pigott has passed away at 67. Pigott, renowned for his achievement of over 1,000 wickets during his professional career, died on Sunday.
The ex-Sussex seam bowler, who had battled oesophageal cancer in the past, suffered a fatal heart attack. Pigott’s notable career included a remarkable appearance in the County Championship and a single game for the England team, which became a memorable chapter in cricket history.
In a surprising turn of events in 1984, Pigott received a sudden call-up to play for England against New Zealand in Christchurch, coinciding with his planned wedding. Opting to prioritize his national duty, Pigott postponed his wedding and flew to New Zealand, where he managed to secure two wickets.
Despite his efforts, Pigott’s debut match ended in disappointment as England lost to New Zealand at Lancaster Park. This solitary appearance marked the end of his international career.
At the county level, Pigott dedicated 18 years to Sussex before transitioning to Surrey in 1994 due to recurring injuries. He later returned to Sussex in 1997 and played a pivotal role in the club’s success, eventually becoming their CEO.
During his tenure, Pigott spearheaded the installation of floodlights at Hove, making it the first cricket ground in the UK to have them. Known affectionately as ‘Lester,’ possibly after the renowned jockey Lester Piggott, his contributions were widely recognized.
Following Pigott’s demise, heartfelt tributes poured in from the cricketing community. Former Sussex captain Chris Adams expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting Pigott’s profound impact on the club’s history and his personal life.
Adams credited Pigott for influencing his decision to join Sussex in 1998 and praised his positive demeanor and leadership. The cricketing world mourned the loss of a beloved figure, reminiscing about Pigott’s legacy and the significant role he played in shaping Sussex’s success.
In another tribute on social media, Adams reiterated the profound loss felt by those who knew Pigott, emphasizing his enduring impact on the cricketing fraternity.
Former Sussex wicket-keeper and umpire Ian Gould also mourned Pigott’s passing, describing him as one of the sport’s most charismatic personalities.
In other news, Sky has introduced discounted rates for its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the upcoming season, offering substantial savings and an expanded lineup of live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League and EFL. Sky’s enhanced coverage will include over 1,400 live matches, with a significant increase in the number of Premier League games to be aired next season.