David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, England’s First Black British-Born Cricketer, Passes Away at 61

Swift Summary

• David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, England’s first British-born Black cricketer, passed away at age 61.
• Lawrence’s family announced his death on Sunday via Gloucestershire Cricket club, where he served as president.
• He had been battling motor neurone disease (MND), a diagnosis he disclosed last year.
• Lawrence played five Test matches for England from 1988 to 1992, taking 18 wickets and achieving notable performances against West Indies in 1991.
• His international career ended prematurely due to a severe knee injury during a match against New Zealand in Wellington at age 28.
• As an English county bowler for Gloucestershire, he claimed 625 wickets across 280 matches and became one of the fastest bowlers on the circuit.
• Following retirement, he transitioned into bodybuilding and later owned nightclubs in Bristol. He also advocated for racial inclusivity after detailing his experiences with racism during his cricketing career.
• In September 2021, Gloucestershire issued an apology regarding those incidents and made him its first Black president six months later.
• last week, Lawrence received an MBE in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours for outstanding services to cricket.
• The England and india teams observed a moment of silence before play on Sunday at Leeds in tribute to him.
• Recently honored by Gloucester Cricket Club during a Twenty20 game and named honorary life vice president of the England Wales Cricket Board.

!