The A23 Connection: Surrey and Sussex's shared past
22.02.26, 18:30 Updated 27.02.26, 22:02 10 Minute Read
Richard Spiller
As Sussex try to come to terms with their financial crisis, which could have ramifications for several years, they might be looking for a saviour. Maybe one will appear down the A23 from Surrey, just as two players from the club’s past emerged to answer previous Sussex emergencies.
Arnold Long and Tony Pigott are among the 45 players who have appeared for both Surrey and Sussex in first-class cricket (*see list below), which is perhaps not surprising given the counties are neighbours.
Long, who died aged 85 on New Year’s Day after a lengthy illness, spent the final five years of his career at Hove after 15 on the staff at The Oval. Pigott’s passing at 67, on February 1, came when he suffered a heart attack, having won a fierce battle with cancer in recent times.
Wicketkeeper Long – ‘Ob’ to his team-mates and friends – had expected to play out his days in south London but in 1975 suddenly found himself excluded from the Surrey side, blamed for unrest in the team.
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