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.
Pigott enjoyed a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades, during which he became 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 of their former player and chief executive, saying they were "saddened to learn of the passing" of a man who left an indelible mark on the county game.
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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.
Tony Pigott enjoyed a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades
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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.
The late call-up forced him 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, dismissing opener Bruce Edgar and Jeremy Coney.
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The seamer spent 18 years at Sussex before moving to Surrey in 1994
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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 would remain his only Test match.
Following his playing career, Pigott 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 he brought Chris Adams from Derbyshire to captain the side in 1998.
Tony Pigott's sole international appearance came during England's tour of New Zealand in 1984
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Adams credited Pigott with transforming the club's fortunes.
He told the Sussex website: "Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club.
"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 later joined the ECB in 2005 as a Pitch Liaison Officer.
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