‘Trailblazer’ and former quick Bowler Lawrence of England die at 61

Former England Bowling Rapid David “Syd” Lawrence died at the age of 61 after a year of battle with motor neurons disease [MND]His family informed him on Sunday.

Lawrence-the first Black Cricketer to be born in the British representing England-diagnosed with MND last year, a degenerative condition that causes waste of muscle and affecting the brain and nerves.

“It is with great sadness that we are announcing the passage of Dave Lawrence MBE (king’s birthday prices) after his brave battle with the disease of motor neurons,” the Lawrence family said.

“Syd was an inspirational figure in the cricket field … A proud man Gloucestershire, Syd assumed every challenge with everything he could and his final competition with the MND was no different.”

“His willingness to encourage and think of others to the end was characteristic of the man who was. As president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took over the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute.”

Lawrence – who won five ceilings for England – made 280 appearances for Gloucestershire and got 625 wickers for the county.

The trial of his debut came to Lord’s against Sri Lanka in 1988, with his career being a five -fold transfer against the Western Indians in Oval in 1991.

In 2022, Lawrence became the first black president of the County County County County and was named one of the opening vice -presidents of the Honorary Life of the Kricket Council of England and Wales (ECB) earlier this year.

ECB President Richard Thompson described Lawrence as “a real English cricket trailblazer and a man with enormous courage, character and compassion”.

“His impact on the game was extended far beyond the bordered ropes,” Thompson added in a statement. “As a quick bowler, he was thrilled with his rhythm and passion. As a leader and lawyer, he broke obstacles and inspired the change, making a strong voice for integration and representation in our sport.”