David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, the primary British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died. He was 61.
Lawrence’s household made the announcement on Sunday (June 22, 2025) with a press release via Gloucestershire, the place Lawrence was the membership president.
He introduced a 12 months in the past he had motor neurone illness.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease,” the household mentioned. “Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 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 think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.”
He performed 5 assessments for England from 1988-92, taking 18 wickets. His worldwide profession prematurely ended at 28 when he broke his knee cap after falling awkwardly when working in to bowl in opposition to New Zealand on the ultimate day of a take a look at in Wellington.
A strapping quick bowler who was famend for being one of many quickest on the English county circuit, Lawrence was starting to determine himself in assessments and a five-for in opposition to the West Indies in 1991 helped England seal a series-levelling win on the Oval, with Viv Richards amongst his haul.
Lawrence additionally performed a sole one-day worldwide in opposition to the West Indies at Lord’s in 1991, taking 4-67.
For Gloucestershire, he grabbed 625 wickets in 280 matches. The England and India groups gave Lawrence a second’s silence on Sunday (June 22, 2025) in Leeds earlier than the third day’s play within the first take a look at.
The England workforce stands for a minute of applause in reminiscence of former cricketer David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, who lately handed away previous to Day Three of the first Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Headingley on June 22, 2025, in Leeds, England.
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Lawrence turned a aggressive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was additionally a nightclub proprietor in Bristol.
After he detailed his experiences of racism throughout his enjoying profession, Gloucestershire issued an unreserved apology in September 2021, and 6 months later he turned the county’s first Black President.
Only final week, Lawrence obtained an MBE in King Charles III’s birthday honors for excellent companies to cricket.
At the time, he mentioned, “As a proud Gloucester man who achieved his dream to play for England on the cricket field, it means a great deal to me and to my family who have supported me with all their love during some difficult times. I have always put my heart and soul into any challenge I have faced and that is how I have approached things since my diagnosis with motor neurone disease.”
He was fundraising to battle MND as lately as Friday (June 20, 2025), when Gloucestershire honoured him throughout a Twenty20 sport.
Lawrence was additionally lately named an honorary life Vice President of the England and Wales Cricket Board, and chair Richard Thompson paid tribute.
“David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion,” Thompson mentioned on Sunday (June 22, 2025).
“His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time,” he mentioned.
