Cricket icon David Lawrence dead days after receiving King’s Birthday award

An inspirational, history-making cricket icon has died at the age of 61 with tributes pouring in from around the globe.

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.

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.

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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.

PA FILE - David 'Syd' Lawrence of Gloucestershire County Cricket Team, the first British-born black cricketer to play for England, smiles on June 2, 1998, Lawrence has died at the age of 61. (PA via AP)

PA FILE - David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born black cricketer to play for England, attends a game on Aug. 25, 1988, Lawrence has died at the age of 61. (PA via AP)

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.

“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.

Leading cricket writer John Etheridge remembers David Lawrence

Farewell to a legend. Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images.

David Lawrence managed to pack so much into the last few months of his life. He survived the terrible ravages of Motor Neurone Disease long enough to tell his tragic yet inspirational story and be awarded an MBE.

Lawrence, who has died aged 61, was a huge-hearted fast bowler, body builder, night club owner and extrovert character with a booming voice. In his book In Syd’s Voice, published earlier this month, Lawrence spoke about his shattering diagnosis last year and the impact on his life.
As each week passed, the most basic tasks such as walking, talking and swallowing became more difficult and ultimately impossible. Lawrence’s account was raw, emotional and difficult to read in places.

He even said he was fortunate in some ways because of the love and care of his wife Gaynor and son Buster.

He wrote: “The ability to hold a knife and fork and bring food and drink to my mouth then started to wobble until it became impossible.

Holding the TV remote control was another small thing that gave me some independence and now that has gone, too.

England players observe a minutes applause in memory of former England cricketer David Lawrence. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images.

“I needed some help getting extra oxygen into my lungs at night, so I had a machine to help me with that. I now require that help during the day, too. “I knew this is what I had to look forward to, but the reality is far more painful than I imagined.”

While his voice was still strong enough, Lawrence programmed a machine which allowed him to communicate by saying words and sentences using his eyes to move a cursor across a screen.

Lawrence was the last man to dismiss the great Viv Richards in Test cricket but his career was cut short by a knee injury in New Zealand in 1991. The Test match was a dead-set draw but, typically of Syd, he was charging in to bowl.

The noise of his snapped kneecap and the subsequent roars of pain as he punched the ground could be heard from 100 yards away.

Lawrence attempted a comeback a few years later but his career was effectively over. He owned a bar and then a nightclub in Bristol and competed as a body builder, winning an over-40s amateur competition.

In 2022, he was elected president of his county Gloucestershire, the first black man to hold the office.

Last week, Lawrence was made an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours and said: “It’s not something I ever thought would sit after my name.

“I’m absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I’m gone.”

Originally published as Cricket icon David Lawrence dead days after receiving King’s Birthday award