David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, England’s very first British-born Black cricketer, has died
GLOUCESTER, England (AP)– David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, the very first British-born Black cricketer to bet England, has actually died. He was 61.
Lawrence’s household made the announcement on Sunday with a statement through Gloucestershire, where Lawrence was the club president.Advertisement He announced a year ago he had motor neurone disease.”It is with fantastic sadness that we announce the death
of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave fight with motor neurone illness,”the family said.”‘ Syd ‘was an inspiring 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 whatever he could and his
last contest with MND was no various. His willingness to motivate and think of others right as much as completion was common of the guy he was. “He played five tests for England from 1988-92, taking 18 wickets. His worldwide profession 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.Advertisement A strapping quick bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the English county circuit, Lawrence was starting to establish himself in tests and a five-for against the West
Indies in 1991 assisted England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Viv Richards among his haul.Lawrence likewise played a sole one-day international against the West Indies at Lord’s in 1991, taking 4-67. For Gloucestershire, he got 625 wickets in 280 matches.The England and India groups offered Lawrence a moment’s silence on
Sunday in Leeds before the 3rd day’s play in the very first test.Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was likewise a club owner in Bristol.Advertisement After he detailed his experiences of racism during his playing profession, Gloucestershire provided an unreserved apology in September 2021, and six months later he became
the county’s very 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 stated,”As a proud Gloucester man who attained his dream to play for England on the cricket field, it suggests a lot to me and to my household who have supported me with all their love during some challenging times. I have always put my heart and soul into any obstacle I have actually faced and that is how I have actually approached things because my diagnosis with motor neurone illness.”He was fundraising to fight MND
as recently as Friday, when Gloucestershire honored him during a Twenty20 game.Advertisement Lawrence was also recently called an honorary life vice president of the England and Wales Cricket Board, and chair Richard Thompson paid homage. “David ‘Syd’Lawrence was a real pioneer of English cricket and a man of tremendous nerve, character, and empathy,”Thompson said on Sunday.”
His effect on the game extended far beyond the border ropes. As a quick bowler, he delighted crowds with his speed and enthusiasm.
As a leader and supporter, he broke barriers and inspired modification, ending up being an effective voice for addition and representation in our sport.”Even in the face of his health problem, David revealed
remarkable strength and dignity, continuing to boost others with his durability and spirit. He leaves behind a tradition that will withstand in the hearts of all who enjoy cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing neighborhood at this time.”___ AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket