Inspirational England bowler David ‘Syd' Lawrence dies aged 61 after MND battle
David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born black cricketer to play for England, has died aged 61.
The formidable fast bowler spent most of his career at his home county, Gloucestershire, taking 625 wickets in 280 matches. He played five Test matches for England, taking 18 wickets, before a knee injury curtailed his career.
Lawrence was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year. He was appointed MBE earlier this month for raising awareness of the disease, and released an autobiography last week, In Syd's Voice, laying bare the reality of his daily life with MND.
On being diagnosed, he wrote: 'With those three words my heart hit the floor and then it seemed like my body fell with it.'
A statement from Lawrence's family said: '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 well as his six outings for England – having played a lone ODI against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991, collecting four for 67 – Lawrence bagged 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire.
A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the county circuit, Lawrence began to establish himself in Tests and a five-for against the West Indies in 1991 helped England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Desmond Haynes and Viv Richards among his haul.
But Lawrence's career all but ended the following year as he badly fractured his kneecap after falling awkwardly when running into bowl on the final day of a Test against New Zealand in Wellington.
His England days were immediately over aged 28 but he made a brief county comeback in 1997, playing four first-class games for Gloucestershire before hanging up his boots – 16 years after he first played professionally.
Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was also a nightclub owner in Bristol.
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.'
Following his MND diagnosis, there were emotional scenes when Gloucestershire went all the way in the T20 Blast last year, with captain James Bracey presenting the trophy to Lawrence at Edgbaston.
Lawrence's family statement added: '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.'
Only last week, Lawrence received an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to cricket, 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.'
Lawrence's MND diagnosis hastened his autobiography as he worried he would lose the ability to speak. Titled 'In Syd's Voice', written with the help of Dean Wilson, the book was published this month.
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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Joe Root to score 50+ runs and Jasprit Bumrah to take 3+ wickets in the second innings is a BOOSTED 9/2 - as the first Test between England and India hangs in the balance
England's first Test against India at Headingley is on a knife's edge - as the two teams return to pitch for day four today. After India set an impressive total of 471 in their first innings - England replied with their own strong showing with the bat - as Ollie Pope registered 106 runs, while Harry Brook fell agonisingly short of his ninth career century after he was dismissed by Prasidh Krishna on 99. Joe Root to score 50+ runs and Jasprit Bumrah to take 3+ wickets in the second innings is 9/2 The hosts ultimately recorded a first innings total of 465, before India came out to bat for their second innings at the end of day three. Sunday's play concluded with India leading by 96 runs at 90/2. With the above in mind - let's take a look at the three Price Boosts on offer for the remaining two days of the Test. They include Joe Root to score 50+ runs and Jasprit Bumrah to take 3+ wickets in the second innings at 9/2, India to score 350+ runs in the second innings at 6/5, and Bumrah to take the wickets of Root, Brook and Ben Stokes in the second innings at 12/1. Bumrah starred with the ball for India in the first innings - with the supremely talented quick taking five wickets. Sky Bet Price Boosts for England vs India: Joe Root to score 50+ runs and Jasprit Bumrah to take 3+ wickets in the second innings WAS 7/2 NOW 9/2 India to score 350+ runs in the second innings WAS 1/1 NOW 6/5 Jasprit Bumrah to take the wickets of Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes in the second innings WAS 10/1 NOW 12/1
The Independent
9 minutes ago
- The Independent
US billionaire John Textor sells stake in bid save Crystal Palace's European status
John Textor has sold his stake in Crystal Palace in a bid to meet Uefa 's rules and ensure the club's participation in the Europa League next season. The US billionaire has sold his 42.9 per cent stake to controversial tycoon Woody Johnson for around £200m, subject to approval from the Premier League. This should clear the path for Palace to keep their place in Europe next term, satisfying Uefa that the FA Cup winners are not in breach of multi-club ownership rules. The Independent understands that an official verdict from the European football governing body is expected in the coming days. The Eagles' first voyage into continental football was under threat due to Textor's position at the club, due to the fact he also owns a 77 per cent stake in Ligue 1 outfit Lyon - who akin to Palace are competing in next season's Europa League. To prevent collusion, Uefa does not allow multiple clubs under the same owner to compete in one of its competitions, and in the case that two teams under a multi-club model qualify for the same tournament, the side that achieved the better finish in its domestic season gets priority. Lyon finished sixth last term and qualified via their league position, while Palace finished 12th. Palace's failure to adapt their shareholdings structure prior to the Uefa deadline of March 1 meant they were in breach of competition guidelines and could have been expelled from the Europa League. Palace argued that their historic FA Cup triumph and subsequent Europa League qualification were achieved on their own merit rather than via the benefits of a multi-club system, and that the response to eject them from the competition would be disproportionate. They also refuted that they operate under such a multi-club model - something Nottingham Forest wrote to Uefa to express concerns about - with Textor previously holding just 25 per cent of the voting rights. It appears the club have now addressed the issue, with contentious New York Jets owner acquiring Textor's stake. The Jets faced scrutiny last year after reports of 'controversial and dysfunctional practices' under his watch. Textor's sale means the businessman is fully out of the Palace picture, losing all influence previously had at the club.
The Independent
21 minutes ago
- The Independent
Mounjaro weight loss jab: What you need to know as NHS changes prescription rules
GPs across England will, for the first time, be able to prescribe a new weight loss injection on the NHS from Monday, as the health service embarks on a significant mass rollout. The medication, Mounjaro, is also known as tirzepatide and manufactured by Lilly. It is expected to be made available to approximately 220,000 individuals identified as having the "greatest need" for treatment. The drug was previously only accessible to patients through a specialist weight loss service or through private healthcare services. This initial phase of the programme is projected to span the next three years, integrating the new drug into primary care. Here is a look at Mounjaro and its effects. How does tirzepatide work? Tirzepatide, or Mounjaro, is an anti-diabetic drug. It lowers which blood sugar levels and slows down how quickly food is digested. It makes those taking it feel fuller for longer – and therefore less hungry. If the jab is recommended by a healthcare professional, those using it will need to eat a balanced, reduced-calorie diet and to exercise regularly while taking it, according to the NHS website. Who might be eligible for the drug? In the first year of the programme, the drug will be offered to people with a body mass index (BMI) score of more than 40 who have at least four other health problems linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes; high blood pressure; heart disease; and obstructive sleep apnoea. It was previously only accessible to patients through a special weight loss service, to severely obese people who also suffer from a range of other health problems. Estimates suggest around 1.5 million people in the UK are already taking weight loss drugs, which may have been prescribed through specialist weight loss services or via private prescription. How would it be administered? The drug is usually delivered through a self-administered weekly injection which a doctor or nurse will show patients how to use, the NHS website says. Who cannot take tirzepatide? Mounjaro is not recommended for those who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, breastfeeding or have certain health conditions, according to the NHS. For those taking the contraceptive pill and using tirzepatide, the NHS recommends using an additional method of contraception, such as a condom, for the first four weeks of treatment and for four weeks after each dose increase as the contraceptive pill may not be absorbed by the body during this time. What are the potential side effects? Potential side effects of tirzepatide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
