‘A symbol of resilience’ – former England fast bowler Lawrence dies

David “Syd” Lawrence,” a fast bowler for England and Gloucestershire, passed away at the age of 61.

The first black cricket player to play for England in the country was Lawrence, who was born in the UK last year.

He was raised money and raised awareness of the condition and was later named MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.

In his 16-year Gloucestershire career, Lawrence took 625 wickets in 280 games and played in five Test matches for England.

In his 1988 Test debut against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, Lawrence added three wickets.

Before returning to England in 1991, Lawrence took 14 wickets in three Tests and played his only one-day international that summer, a bowler who could reach extreme pace.

However, a serious knee injury that occurred during England’s winter game against New Zealand severely curbed his career.

Before being elected Gloucestershire’s club president in 2022, he later owned a nightclub and competed in amateur bodybuilding.

He remained in the position after receiving his MND diagnosis last year, and he has actively fought for those who suffer from the disease.

Lawrence claimed in an interview with BBC Breakfast that he had spoken with former England and Leeds rugby league player Rob Burrow after his own diagnosis and that he had been inspired by his own experience with the illness, which came to an end earlier this year.

When Gloucestershire won the T20 Blast last year, James Bracey presented the trophy to Lawrence in emotional scenes.

During a “Pink4Syd” day on Friday during a T20, Gloucestershire’s players and supporters donned pink.

In Syd’s Voice: The Extraordinary Life of Syd Lawrence, Lawrence’s autobiography, discusses the highlights of his career and special events and life memories.

He divorces his wife Gaynor, leaving his son Buster, a former professional rugby player.

His family said Syd, a proud Gloucestershire man, “a braved man who struggled with every challenge and every opportunity, and his most recent victory against MND was no exception.”

Former England spinner Phil Tufnell described Lawrence as a “great man” and “fierce competitor” on BBC Test Match Special.

Tufnell continued, “He was a sight to behold coming in with the ball in his hand.” He “had no room for error on the field,” according to his assertion.

He was one of my closest friends. Despite being intimidating, the person has a heartwarming sense of humor. He would make everyone laugh, laugh, and tell a story in the room.

Every ball Lawrence delivered, according to BBC cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew, “sounded like an explosion of energy.”

Syd was “absolutely proud to be chosen for England,” he continued. “He never left anything out there.”

He was “a dear man,” he said. He always had a smile between every ball and was so entertaining on the field.

Mark Butcher, a former England star, described Lawrence as a “full-throttle, big-hearted individual “who” wore his heart on his sleeve.

When you first met him, there was a genuine sense of his passion for his career, Butcher said to Sky Sports. “Every time you met him, there was a warmth there.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also paid tribute to a “pioneer fast bowler” whose career and character forever changed English cricket, and hailed Lawrence’s 5-106 against the West Indies at the Oval in 1991 as his “best moment” for his country.

“His impact on the game went beyond the boundary ropes,” said ECB chair Richard Thompson.

He won over crowds with his pace and enthusiasm as a fast bowler. He became a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport as a leader and advocate who broke barriers and led change.

Gloucestershire expressed their sadness over the passing of “a club icon – known for his thunderous run-up, fearless fast bowling, and ever-present energy.”

They referred to him as a “pioneer, mentor, and resilience symbol,” and added that “his contributions will never be forgotten.”

In 170 first-class matches for the county, Lawrence took 477 wickets at 31.27, besting him 7 for 47 against Warwickshire.

“First of all, everyone at the club extends their sincere condolences to Syd’s family, who so generously supported him during his illness. We will support them in any way possible as a club, according to Gloucestershire club president Peter Matthews.

On and off the field, Syd was a true Gloucestershire star. He was one of our greatest fast bowlers of all time and, as a player, deservedly, won Test victories while playing for us.

He continued to be a significant part of the club after his retirement, serving as both a kind and active president. He will be greatly missed.

Neil Priscott, the Gloucestershire chief executive, continued, “He was passionate about the impact that cricket can have on people’s lives.