Name:

Lawrence, David V

Nickname:

Syd

Date of Birth:

28 Jan 1964

Gender:

Men

Place of Birth:

Gloucester, England

Date Died:

21 Jun 2025

Career:

Test: 1988 - 1992
ODI: 1991 - 1991

Teams:

Gloucestershire (Regional)
England (Country)

Syd Lawrence's horrific knee injury (Wellington)

Syd Lawrence: First British Born Black Test Cricketer 

David “Syd” Lawrence MBE (full name David Valentine Lawrence; born 28 January 1964 – died 22 June 2025) was a pioneering English fast bowler best known for playing with Gloucestershire.

Standing out with his aggressive and powerful bowling style, he claimed over 625 wickets across 280 first-class matches—477 of those for Gloucestershire—often spearheading attacks alongside international greats such as Courtney Walsh.

In 1988 he made history as the first British-born Black cricketer to represent England, earning five Test caps and dismissing Viv Richards in his final Test innings. His international career, though promising, was cruelly cut short by a serious knee injury during the 1991–92 tour in New Zealand.

In June 2024, Lawrence was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). He received the MBE in 2025.

He passed away on June 21, 2025, at the age of 61, after his courageous public battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Lawrence was more than a fierce express bowler—he was a trailblazer, a leader, an advocate for racial equality in cricket, and a resilient figure whose legacy resonates both on the field and in the ongoing fight for inclusion.