Former England cricketer David ‘Syd’ Lawrence has died aged 61 following a battle with motor neurone disease.
Lawrence, who played five Test matches for England, was diagnosed with the rare degenerative condition – which has no cure – in June last year.
Ex-England rugby league star Rob Burrow passed away from the illness in the same month that Lawrence received his diagnosis, while former Scotland rugby union lock Doddie Weir died from the disease in November 2022.
The bustling fast bowler became the first British-born black cricketer to represent England when he made his Test debut against Sri Lanka at Lord’s in 1988.
In county cricket, Lawrence took a total of 625 wickets in 280 matches across a 16-year career with Gloucestershire. He would go on to be named president of the side in 2022.
‘David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion,’ ECB chairman Richard Thompson said in a statement this morning.
‘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.’
‘Gloucestershire are devastated to learn of the passing of former player and club president, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence MBE, aged 61,’ the club said on X.
‘Everyone at Gloucestershire would like to send their best wishes to David’s family during this terribly sad time.’
In a separate tweet, Gloucestershire confirmed that their flags would be at half mast for day one of their County Championship contest with Derbyshire in tribute to the late Lawrence.
There was also a minute’s silence held for the former pace bowler before play at the Bristol County Ground.
A statement from Lawrence’s family asked fans for ‘time and space to grieve in private’ following the sad news.
It read: ‘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.’
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