Tony Pigott: Former Sussex seamer and CEO dies aged 67

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

Pigott joined Sussex as teenager, taking a hat-trick with his first three balls on his first-class debut against Surrey in 1978.

He made a single Test match appearance for England against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1984, postponing his wedding in order to play for his country after being called up at short notice as injury cover.

Pigott left Sussex after 18 years to join Surrey in 1994, but a series of injury problems saw him become second team coach at the Oval two years later.

He returned to Hove in 1997 to lead a takeover of the board and under his leadership, it became the first cricket ground in the UK to install floodlights.

He recruited Chris Adams from Derbyshire as their new captain in 1998, and although he left his post the following year, Adams said his work helped lay the foundation for their 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, external.

“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.”

Pigott took more than 1,000 wickets in first-class and List A cricket during his career.