Harrovian Tony Pigott's one Test appearance came about by virtue of him being in the right place at the right time. In 1983-84 he was playing for Wellington when England, hit by a late injury crisis, drafted him into the side for the Christchurch Test. The situation was further complicated as Pigott was due to be married, and he had to postpone the ceremony. The match was a disaster for England who were bowled out for 82 and 93, losing in under 12 hours - Pigott took 2 for 75. On his day, he was a reasonable brisk right-arm bowler, and also capable of powerful lower middle-order biffing. His first three wickets consisted of a hat-trick against Surrey in 1978, and there were those who felt he could become a good allrounder. But he was increasingly hampered by back injuries, and his career fizzled out after he moved from Sussex to Surrey. He took over coaching the 2nd XI at The Oval, and in 1997 returned to Sussex as chief executive after being instrumental in a coup to oust the existing committee. But it was not a happy homecoming. He struggled with the complexities of the role, and resigned in 1999 after being increasingly marginalised, citing personal reasons. He now runs a pub in Hurstpierpoint.
Martin Williamson