Former England fast bowler David ‘Sid’ Lawrence died at the age of 61 after the diagnosis of motor neuron disease (MND) on Saturday, a situation that she was struggling in recent times. India and England wore a black armband as a mark of honor on the third day of the Test match in Leeds.
Lawrence made his debut in 1988 as the first black man born in Britain representing England in Test cricket. However, his international career ended in 1992, when he suffered a devastating knee injury during a Test match in Wellington. He was named MBE in Kings Birthday Honors in 2025.
Disclosure: Why players from India and England are wearing black armband
Players from India and England participated in the ground wearing a black armband. At the beginning of playing on day 3, England’s overnight batsmen Oli Pope and Harry Brook were seen wearing a black band, and the Indian team also stepped on the field with him.
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England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expressed condolences on social media after the death of David ‘Sid’ Lawrence. On X, the board said it was deeply saddened by his death and increased its sympathy towards Lawrence’s family and friends during this difficult time.
“Everyone in ECB is very sad to know about the passage of David ‘SID’ Lawrence MBE. All our views are with David’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Everyone in ECB is very sad to know about David ‘SID’ Lawrence MBE being passed.
All our views are with David’s family and friends during this difficult time.
– England Cricket (@NglandCrick) June 22, 2025
David Lawrence represented England in five tests and one ODI
Lawrence represented England in five Tests and took an ODI, a total of 22 international wickets between 1988 and 1992. He made a significant impact in domestic cricket.
The former cricketer was one of the fastest bowlers of his era. He took 515 wickets in 185 first -class matches and added 155 more in his tally to 115 List A Games.
The ECB said, “Lawrence brought a fierce competitive spirit on raw speed, aggression and international stage .. His best moment in 1991 when he took 5–106 against the West Indies at the Oval,” said the ECB.
David Lawrence detected a terminal neurological disease, motor neuron disease (MND), which in June 2024 gradually weakens the muscles by affecting the nerves that control them.
He remained closely associated with the game, even attended the Glustershire ceremony when he ended the nine -year trophy drought by winning the T20 blast. Earlier this month, Lawrence released his autobiography in Sid’s voice, co-writer with cricket journalist Dean Wilson.
“It is very sad that we announce the passage of Dave Lawrence MBE after our brave fight with motor neuron disease,” read in a statement by his family.
“A proud Gloster’s man, Sid, took every challenge with everything and his final competition with MND was no different. His desire to encourage others and think of others was the distinctive of the man who was he.”
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