David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, former England cricketer, dies aged 61

The former England bowler David “Syd” Lawrence has died aged 61, a year after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and only a week after he was awarded an MBE in the king’s birthday honours for his services to cricket.

Lawrence played five Tests between 1988 and 1992, taking 18 wickets and becoming the first British-born black player to be picked for England. His career in effect ended in February 1992 when, in an apparently innocuous incident while playing for England against New Zealand, he fractured his left kneecap. He did not play again for five years, and managed only four more first-class matches before being forced into retirement aged 29.

Those games took him to 280 appearances for Gloucestershire, the club where he spent his entire career. In all he took 625 wickets for them, forming part of an outstanding three-pronged pace attack alongside Courtney Walsh and Kevin Curran. He was named club president in 2022, a position he held until his death. Lawrence’s autobiography, In Syd’s Voice, was published two weeks ago, brought forward because of his failing health.

View image in fullscreen England observe a minute’s applause in memory of David Lawrence before day three of the first Test against India at Headingley. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

A statement from Lawrence’s family on Sunday read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease. ‘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. As president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it. Syd’s wife, Gaynor, and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support that has been shown to them and the family so far and would ask that they are now given some time and space to grieve in private.”

View image in fullscreen David Lawrence watches Viv Richards leave the crease in a Test for the final time, at the Oval in 1991, after the England bowler dismissed the West Indies great. Photograph: Ted Blackbrow/Daily Mail/Shutterstock

After Lawrence detailed his experiences of racism during his playing career, Gloucestershire issued an unreserved apology in September 2021 and six months later he became the county’s first black president. The county side posted on X: “Gloucestershire are devastated to learn of the passing of former player and club president, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire would like to send their best wishes to David’s family during this terribly sad time.”

Last September he watched Gloucestershire win their first T20 Blast title, before being handed the trophy at Edgbaston by James Bracey in emotional scenes after the game.

View image in fullscreen James Bracey of Gloucestershire presents David Lawrence with the trophy after winning the T20 Blast final against Somerset at Edgbaston. Photograph: Gareth Copley/ECB/Getty Images

“If you’ve been a big strong man all your life and this comes and hits you, it’s a tough one to take. Really tough,” he told the BBC later that month. “I have never relied on anybody to do anything for me. I always wanted to do things for people and now I have to rely on people to do things for me. I need a carer every day to dress me, to shower me. You’ve got to park your ego at the door and get on with it.

“Am I scared to die? No. Most people are scared of not knowing but I know how I am going to die. You can’t look too much into the future, that will scare you. We are all going to die. I just know how I am going to die. I’m not scared.”

Only last week, Lawrence received his MBE, while he had been working to raise money and awareness of his condition. He said: “It is an incredibly proud moment. It is not something that I ever thought would sit after my name, but I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.”

View image in fullscreen David Lawrence and Shaun Udal at Edgbaston last summer, on the day Gloucestershire won the T20 Blast. Photograph: Cameron Smith/ECB/Getty Images

The England and Wales Cricket Board chair, Richard Thompson, said on the governing body’s website: “David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. 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.”

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