Former England pacer David Lawrence in motion. — PCA/File
Former England quick bowler David “Syd” Lawrence has died on the age of 61 after a year-long battle with motor neurone illness [MND], his household knowledgeable on Sunday.
Lawrence — the primary British-born Black cricketer to signify England — was recognized final yr with MND, a degenerative situation that causes muscle wastage and impacts the mind and nerves.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE (King’s Birthday Honours) following his brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease,” stated Lawrence’s household.
“Syd was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field… A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different.”
“His willingness to encourage and consider others proper as much as the tip was typical of the person he was. As President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Membership, Syd took on the function with unimaginable pleasure and fervour and cherished each minute of it.”
Lawrence — who earned five test caps for England — made 280 appearances for Gloucestershire and took 625 wickets for the county.
His test debut came at Lord’s against Sri Lanka in 1988, with his career highlight being a five-wicket haul against the West Indies at the Oval in 1991.
In 2022, Lawrence became Gloucestershire County Cricket Club’s first Black president and he was named one of the inaugural Honorary Life Vice-Presidents of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) earlier this year.
ECB chairman Richard Thompson described Lawrence as “a real trailblazer of English cricket and a person of immense braveness, character, and compassion”.
“His impression on the sport prolonged far past the boundary ropes,” Thompson added in a statement. “As a quick bowler, he thrilled crowds along with his tempo and fervour. As a pacesetter and advocate, he broke obstacles and impressed change, changing into a robust voice for inclusion and illustration in our sport.”
