David “Syd” Lawrence, the powerful former fast bowler for Gloucestershire and England, has died at the age of 61 after a year-long battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). His family announced his peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones.

Lawrence was a trailblazer in English cricket, becoming the first British-born Black cricketer to represent England in 1988, where he played five Tests and one ODI. Across his illustrious county career, he made 280 appearances for Gloucestershire, taking an impressive 625 wickets. His contributions to the club extended beyond playing; in 2022, he became Gloucestershire’s first Black president. Just this month, Lawrence was recognized with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, following his earlier appointment as one of the inaugural Honorary Life Vice-Presidents of the ECB.

Diagnosed with MND in 2024, a degenerative condition affecting the brain and nerves, Lawrence dedicated his final year to raising money and awareness for the disease, remaining an inspirational figure even as his own health declined. Gloucestershire County Cricket Club actively supported his fundraising efforts, including a “Pink 4 Syd” evening where the team wore pink kits to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). Last week, his autobiography, “In Syd’s Voice,” co-written with Dean Wilson, was published.

His family’s statement described “Syd” as “an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field,” praising his courage and unwavering spirit in facing MND. “His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was,” the statement read. They highlighted his immense pride and passion during his tenure as Gloucestershire’s President and requested privacy during their time of grief.

Lawrence’s Test career spanned from 1988 to 1992, during which he claimed 18 wickets, including a career-best 5 for 106 against the West Indies at The Oval in 1991. His promising career was tragically cut short in 1992 when he fractured his kneecap while bowling against New Zealand. Despite a brief four-game comeback stint for Gloucestershire five years later, he embraced retirement, venturing into business as a nightclub owner and later becoming a competitive bodybuilder.

Beyond his playing days, Lawrence became a leading advocate for inclusion and diversity in cricket. In 2021, he openly discussed his experiences with racism at Gloucestershire, prompting an unreserved apology from the club. He was also actively involved with the African-Caribbean Engagement (ACE) programme in Bristol.

Neil Priscott, Gloucestershire Cricket chief executive, expressed profound sadness, emphasizing Lawrence’s passion for cricket’s ability to “touch people’s lives” and the club’s commitment to continuing his legacy. ECB Chair Richard Thompson hailed Lawrence as “a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion,” praising his impact as a bowler, leader, and advocate for change. Thompson noted Lawrence’s “extraordinary strength and dignity” in the face of illness, stating, “He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket.”

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