'Trailblazing' England fast bowler Lawrence dies at 61

David "Syd" Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died aged 61.

- LAWRENCE OSTLERE

The formidable fast bowler spent most of his career at his home county, Gloucestershire. He played in five Test matches for England, taking 18 wickets, before a knee injury curtailed his career.

Lawrence was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year. He was appointed an MBE earlier this month for raising awareness of the disease, and released an autobiography last week, In Syd's Voice, laying bare the reality of his daily life with MND. On being diagnosed, he wrote: "With those three words my heart hit the floor and then it seemed like my body fell with it."

A statement from Lawrence's family said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease. 'Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed.

"A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was."