David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, England’s First British-Born Black Cricketer, Dies at 61 After MND Battle

David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to represent England, has died at age 61 after a year-long battle with motor neurone disease (MND). Lawrence played five Test matches and one ODI for England between 1988 and 1992, taking 22 wickets internationally and 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire over a 16-year career. His promising international career was cut short due to a severe knee injury sustained during a Test match in New Zealand. Beyond his playing career, Lawrence was a pioneering figure and advocate for inclusion in cricket, serving as Gloucestershire's club president from 2022 until his death and being named an Honorary Life Vice-President of the ECB. He was appointed MBE in the King's Birthday Honours in 2025 for his services to cricket and the community, including raising awareness and funds for MND. Tributes from the cricket community highlighted Lawrence's courage, character, and lasting impact both on and off the field.