David “Syd” Lawrence, the former England and Gloucestershire fast bowler, has died at the age of 61 following a battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
Lawrence made history as the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England. Diagnosed with MND last year, he spent his final months raising awareness and funds for the condition, earning an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours earlier this month.
In a statement, his family described him as “an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field,” adding that he passed away surrounded by loved ones.
Lawrence enjoyed a 16-year career with Gloucestershire, taking 625 wickets in 280 matches. He made his Test debut for England in 1988 against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, where he claimed three wickets. Renowned for his raw pace, he returned to the national team in 1991, taking 14 wickets in three Tests and appearing in his only ODI that summer. However, a devastating knee injury during a Test against New Zealand later that year effectively ended his international career.
After a brief comeback in 1997, Lawrence retired from professional cricket. He later ran a nightclub, pursued amateur bodybuilding, and was appointed president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in 2022—a role he continued in after his diagnosis.
Lawrence remained active in MND advocacy, drawing inspiration from the late rugby league star Rob Burrow. He shared his journey in his autobiography In Syd’s Voice – The Extraordinary Life of Syd Lawrence, reflecting on both his cricketing achievements and personal battles.
In a moving tribute, Gloucestershire captain James Bracey presented Lawrence with the T20 Blast trophy following the club’s victory last year. The team and fans recently honoured him during a special ‘Pink4Syd’ T20 match.
Lawrence is survived by his wife Gaynor and son Buster.
“A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd faced every challenge head-on,” his family said. “Even in his final fight with MND, he remained selfless, supportive, and full of courage—true to the man he was.”
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