Former England cricketer and Sussex seam bowler Tony Pigott has died, aged 67, after he suffered a cardiac arrest last week.

Pigott, who was born in London on June 4, 1958, took more than 1,000 professional wickets, while he also memorably made a sole Test match appearance for England. 

He managed to turn his first first-class wicket into a hat-trick on his debut and his form later saw him earn a late call-up to England's Test team for a game against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1984.

However, given the short notice, he was forced to postpone his wedding in order to play for his country.

After spending 18 years at Sussex, he moved to Surrey in 1994, but struggled with injuries and became the club's second team coach. 

Pigott subsequently returned to his former county where he became CEO after leading a takeover of the board.

He was widely credited with laying the foundations for Sussex's huge success in the early 2000s, which included their first County Championship title in 2003. 

Tributes poured in for Pigott following his passing, including from former Sussex captain Chris Adams, who he had recruited as the club's new captain in 1998.

'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.'

During his tenure, he helped ensure that Hove became the first cricket ground in the UK to install floodlights, while he was also hailed for the culture that he created.  

More to follow.