Latest news with #David'Syd'Lawrence
Observer
an hour ago
- Health
- Observer
Former England bowler Lawrence dead at 61
LEEDS, United Kingdom: David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born black cricketer to play for England, has died at the age of 61, it was announced on Sunday. Nearly a year ago it was revealed that Gloucestershire fast bowler Lawrence, who took 18 wickets in five Tests between 1988 and 1992, had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, an incurable illness, which progressively damages parts of the nervous system. A statement from Lawrence's family given to Britain's PA news agency said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease." Lawrence bagged a five-wicket haul against the West Indies in 1991 to help England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Desmond Haynes and Vivian Richards among the batsmen he dismissed. But his career all but ended the following year with a sickening injury when he shattered his kneecap running into bowl during a Test against New Zealand in Wellington. That was the end of his time with England, although he made a brief comeback for Bristol-based Gloucestershire, playing four four-first class games in 1997 before retiring for good after taking 625 wickets for the county. He later became president of Gloucestershire, with his old county saying in a social media post on Sunday that they were "devastated" to learn of Lawrence's death. Following his MND diagnosis, there were emotional scenes when Gloucestershire won the T20 Blast final at Edgbaston last year, with captain James Bracey presenting the trophy to Lawrence. His MND diagnosis also hastened Lawrence's autobiography amid fears he would lose the ability to speak. Titled 'In Syd's Voice', and written with the help of cricket journalist Dean Wilson, the book was published this month. England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson hailed Lawrence as a "true trailblazer" who became a "powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport". There was a minute's applause in honour of Lawrence before the start of the third day's play in the first Test between England and India at Headingley on Sunday, with players and officials also wearing black armbands as a mark of respect. — AFP
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
David ‘Syd' Lawrence dead at 61: First British-born black cricketer to represent England dies after MND battle
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ENGLAND cricket legend David "Syd" Lawrence has died aged 61 following a battle with motor neurone disease. The ex-Gloucestershire star was the first British-born black cricketer to play for England. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 David 'Syd' Lawrence has died aged 61 Credit: PA 3 Lawrence was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year Credit: Getty The former fast bowler left an amazing legacy on the sport and was recently awarded an MBE in the King's birthday honours list. Lawrence, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, was incredibly proud to be honoured. He said last week: "It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name. "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." Following Lawrence's sad passing, a family statement said: "'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." The ECB have paid tribute to Lawrence, calling him a "pioneering" player who left an "indelible mark" on the sport in this country. ECB chair Richard Thompson said: "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. 3 England stars including Ben Stokes paid tribute to Lawrence Credit: Sky Sports "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." Lawrence played five test matches for England, only for his international career to be brutally cut short by a serious knee injury in 1992. He left an incredible mark on Gloucestershire, playing 280 matches for them over a 16-year span. Lawrence later returned to the club as president in 2022. Paying tribute to their legendary former fast bowler and executive, Gloucestershire wrote: "Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. "Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time." England star paid tribute to Lawrence ahead of today's match-up with India at Headingley. Stars including Ben Stokes took part in a minute's applause in honour of the cricket icon.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- Health
- IOL News
Former England fast bowler David Lawrence dead at 61
Fast bowler David 'Syd' Lawrence dead at 61. Image: X David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born black cricketer to play for England, has died at the age of 61, it was announced Sunday. Nearly a year ago it was revealed that Gloucestershire fast bowler Lawrence, who took 18 wickets in five Tests between 1988 and 1992, had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, an incurable illness, which progressively damages parts of the nervous system. A statement from Lawrence's family given to Britain's PA news agency said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease." Lawrence bagged a five-wicket haul against the West Indies in 1991 to help England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Desmond Haynes and Vivian Richards among the batsmen he dismissed. But his career all but ended the following year with a sickening injury when he shattered his kneecap running into bowl during a Test against New Zealand in Wellington. That was the end of his time with England, although he made a brief comeback for Bristol-based Gloucestershire, playing four four-first class games in 1997 before retiring for good after taking 625 wickets for the county. He later became president of Gloucestershire, with his old county saying in a social media post Sunday that they were "devastated" to learn of Lawrence's death. Following his MND diagnosis, there were emotional scenes when Gloucestershire won the T20 Blast final at Edgbaston last year, with captain James Bracey presenting the trophy to Lawrence. His MND diagnosis also hastened Lawrence's autobiography amid fears he would lose the ability to speak. Titled 'In Syd's Voice', and written with the help of cricket journalist Dean Wilson, the book was published this month. England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson hailed Lawrence as a "true trailblazer" who became a "powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport". There was a minute's applause in honour of Lawrence before the start of the third day's play in the first Test between England and India at Headingley on Sunday, with players and officials also wearing black armbands as a mark of respect. AFP
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First Post
8 hours ago
- Sport
- First Post
Explained: Why Indian and English cricketers are wearing black armbands on Day 3 of Headingley Test
A minute's applause was observed at Headingley ahead of the start of the day's play, with Indian and English players wearing black armbands. Here's why. read more England cricketers observe a minute's applause in memory of former pacer David 'Syd' Lawrence' on Day 3 of the first Test against India in Headingley. Reuters The Indian and English players were seen wearing black armbands on in memory of former pacer David 'Syd' Lawrence, who had passed away at the age of 61 on Saturday. A minute's applause was observed at Headingley ahead of the start of the day's play in memory of the first British-born black cricketer to represent England, who played five Tests between 1988 and 1992 and collected 18 wickets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lawrence had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, an incurable illness, nearly a year ago. 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease,' read a statement from the pacer's family given to Britain's PA news agency. 'A true trailblazer' Besides playing five Tests for England, Lawrence played 185 First-Class and 113 List A matches for Gloucestershire in a domestic career spanning 16 years from 1981 to 1997. England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson described Lawrence as a 'true trailblazer' and a 'powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport'. This is the second time in three days in the ongoing Headingley Test that the players are wearing black armbands. They had previously paid tribute to victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash earlier this month with a minute's silence on Day 1.
Hamilton Spectator
8 hours ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
David ‘Syd' Lawrence, England's first British-born Black cricketer, has died at 61
GLOUCESTER, England (AP) — David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died. He was 61. Lawrence's family made the announcement on Sunday with a statement through Gloucestershire, where Lawrence was the club president. He announced a year ago he had motor neurone disease. 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease,' the family said. ''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.' He played five tests for England from 1988-92, taking 18 wickets. His international career prematurely ended at 28 when he broke his knee cap after falling awkwardly when running in to bowl against New Zealand on the final day of a test in Wellington. A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the English county circuit, Lawrence was beginning 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 Viv Richards among his haul. Lawrence also played a sole one-day international against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991, taking 4-67. For Gloucestershire, he grabbed 625 wickets in 280 matches. The England and India teams gave Lawrence a moment's silence on Sunday in Leeds before the third day's play in the first test. Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was also a nightclub owner in Bristol. After he 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. Only last week, Lawrence received an MBE in King Charles III's birthday honors for outstanding services to cricket. At the time, he said, 'As a proud Gloucester man who achieved his dream to play for England on the cricket field, it means a great deal to me and to my family who have supported me with all their love during some difficult times. I have always put my heart and soul into any challenge I have faced and that is how I have approached things since my diagnosis with motor neurone disease.' He was fundraising to fight MND as recently as Friday, when Gloucestershire honored him during a Twenty20 game. Lawrence was also recently named an honorary life vice president of the England and Wales Cricket Board, and chair Richard Thompson paid tribute. 'David 'Syd' Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion,' Thompson said on Sunday. '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.' ___ AP cricket:
