DAVID 'SYD' LAWRENCE, ENGLAND'S FIRST BRITISH-BORN BLACK CRICKETER, PASSED AWAY AT 61

A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the English county circuit, Lawrence was beginning to establish himself in tests, and a fivefor against the West Indies...

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David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died. He was 61. Lawrence's family announced in a statement through Gloucestershire, where Lawrence was the club president. He announced a year ago that he had motor neurone disease.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease,” the family said. "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.”