Cricketer Tony Pigott has died aged 67, just one week after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Pigott, a former bowler with more than 1,000 career wickets, famously put his wedding on hold to answer a late call-up for his only Test match for England.
The last minute call was for England’s Test against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1984, where he claimed two wickets.
Pigott, known affectionately as Lester, played for Sussex for 18 years, before moving to play for Surrey and then later on became the team’s second coach. Pigott eventually returned to Sussex as CEO.
There’s been an outpouring of tributes from fellow players, with former Sussex captain Chris Adams sharing his condolences.
“Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club,” he told Sussex’s website.
“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.”
Former umpire and Sussex wicket-keeper Ian Gould added: “It’s terribly sad. Lester was one of the world’s great characters.”
Sydney Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club Dolphins also paid tribute to the cricketer on social media, and revealed that he had “visited the club only just recently during the Sydney Ashes Test.”
“The club is saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of past Waverley cricketer Tony Pigott,” they wrote.
“Our condolences and thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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