The cricket world is mourning the loss of a true legend, David “Syd” Lawrence, who passed away on Saturday after a brave battle with motor neurone disease.
The former England fast bowler, who played for Gloucestershire and England, was just 61 years old.
A Trailblazer On and Off the Pitch
Lawrence’s former teammates and colleagues have been paying tribute to his incredible career and legacy.
Phil Tufnell, who played alongside Lawrence in three of his five Tests, remembered him as “a great man and a great friend”.
Richard Thompson, the England and Wales Cricket Board chair, called him “a true trailblazer and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion”.
Lawrence was known for his fierce competitiveness on the pitch, but also for his soft and warm heart.
He had a great sense of humor and was always looking out for others, especially the underdog. His infectious enthusiasm and energy made him a beloved figure in the cricket world.
A Ferocious Competitor
Mark Ramprakash, another former England teammate, described Lawrence as “a ferocious competitor” who always gave it his all on the pitch. “He was just power, just power,” Ramprakash said.
“He had to bowl quick, and he had to run in and give it everything.” Despite his intimidating presence on the pitch, Lawrence was loved by everyone in the cricket community.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Lawrence’s impact on the game of cricket went far beyond his playing career. He was a leader and advocate who broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in the sport.
Even in the face of his illness, Lawrence showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit.
Remembering a True Legend
The cricket world has come together to pay tribute to Lawrence’s legacy.
At Headingley, where England is playing India in the first Test, both teams observed a minute’s applause in memory of Lawrence before the start of play.
Gloucestershire, the team he represented for his entire professional career, has also been paying tribute to their former president.
Lawrence’s career was cut short when he broke his left kneecap while playing for England in 1992.
Despite his best efforts to resurrect his playing career, he was forced to retire, but he remained involved with Gloucestershire and became club president in 2022.
A Man Who Touched Hearts
Peter Matthews, Gloucestershire’s chair, remembered Lawrence as “a brilliant cricketer” who always gave everything. “He was a wonderful president,” Matthews said.
“While of course his body was failing him, the tragedy in some respects of motor neurone disease is that the brain doesn’t fail you, so he was always there to give ideas and provide insight to me as a relatively new chair.”
Neil Priscott, the club’s chief executive, said Lawrence had become “an icon for this club on and off the field”.
He brought life, energy, and an infectious spirit to everything he did, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
Raising Awareness and Funds for MND
Lawrence’s passing has also highlighted the importance of raising awareness and funds for motor neurone disease.
The Gloucestershire team wore pink shirts with the evening branded Pink4Syd, raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, on the day before his death.
Events organized in Lawrence’s name have helped to raise thousands of pounds to support the association’s work, and his legacy will continue to inspire others to get involved.
Richard Evans, the director of engagement at the MND Association, said Lawrence was “a titan of English sport” who had made a lasting impact on the cricket world.
“When he was diagnosed with MND last summer, his determination and strength of spirit shone through, inspiring him to share his story and raise awareness of MND,” Evans said.