Ex-England & Glos bowler Lawrence diagnosed with MND
David Lawrence was the first British-born black player to play for England
- Published
Former England and Gloucestershire fast bowler David ‘Syd’ Lawrence has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
The 60-year-old played five Test matches for England and took 625 wickets in 280 matches during a 16-year career at Gloucestershire that ended in 1997.
He became Gloucestershire's president in 2022 - a role he will continue to hold until his term ends.
"Everyone at the club is devastated to hear of the news from David Lawrence and his MND diagnosis," Gloucestershire chief executive Will Brown said.
"David is an icon of the game, a club legend and a trailblazer as the first British-born black player to play for England.
"More than that he is the best of people, kind, loving, considerate and an inspiration to all of us here at Gloucestershire."
Syd Lawrence's England career ended when he badly injured his knee while bowling in his fifth and final Test appearance against New Zealand in February 1992
Lawrence is the latest former high-profile sports star to reveal a diagnosis of MND.
Former England and Leeds rugby league player Rob Burrow passed away from the illness earlier this month, while former Scotland rugby union forward Doddie Weir died in November 2022, six years after his diagnosis.
Former Gloucester and Leicester Tigers forward Ed Slater and ex-Ipswich Town and Sunderland striker Marcus Stewart also suffer from the disease.
Motor neurone disease, external is a rare, degenerative condition which affects the brain and nerves, for which there is no cure.
Ian Thomas, managing director of member services at the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), said the union was in "deep shock at the tragic news" of Lawrence's diagnosis.
"David has been an inspiration throughout his cricket and post-cricket career and we have no doubt he will continue to fight and show his determination to fight MND," he said.
"The PCA and the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, the players’ charity, will be here for David and importantly, his family, offering the best possible support."
In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board said: "We are saddened to learn of David’s diagnosis.
"He embodies everything that is great about our game and all of our hearts go out to ‘Syd’ and his family."