Former England Cricketer David Lawrence Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease

Former England cricketer David Lawrence, renowned as the first British-born black player to represent England, has received a devastating diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease. The announcement was made by Gloucestershire, the cricket club where Lawrence currently serves as President. At 60 years old, Lawrence, who earned five Test caps for England, was recently diagnosed with MND following a series of medical assessments.

Born and raised in Gloucestershire, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence showcased his skills in 298 matches for his home county between 1981 and 1997, with an impressive record of 670 wickets at Nevil Road. In April 2022, he was appointed as the Club President at Gloucestershire, a position he expressed his desire to continue amidst his health battle.

Will Brown, the Chief Executive at Gloucestershire, expressed the club’s profound sadness at the news of David Lawrence’s MND diagnosis. Describing Lawrence as an iconic figure in the sport, a club legend, and a pioneer as the first black English player, Brown highlighted David’s exceptional character and the inspiration he has brought to Gloucestershire.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also extended their sympathies to Lawrence, acknowledging his significant contributions to cricket. During his international career, which included 18 Test wickets and a memorable 4 for 67 against West Indies in an ODI, Lawrence was forced to retire at 28 due to a fractured left kneecap.

The Professional Cricketers’ Association, represented by Ian Thomas, reaffirmed their support for David Lawrence. They praised his resilience throughout his cricketing and post-cricket endeavors, emphasizing their commitment to assist Lawrence and his family in combating MND. The Professional Cricketers’ Trust, the charitable arm of the PCA, stands ready to offer comprehensive support.