David Valentine Lawrence, the former fast bowler for England and Gloucestershire, has passed away at the age of 61 following a battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Lawrence began his international cricket career in 1988 and went on to appear in five Test matches between 1988 and 1992, claiming a total of 18 wickets.
One of the highlights of his career came in 1991 at The Oval, where he took five wickets against the West Indies, including the prized scalp of cricket legend Viv Richards. His time on the international stage was cut short in 1992 after he suffered a serious knee injury during a Test match in Wellington, New Zealand.
He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2023, a degenerative condition that affects the nerves and leads to progressive muscle weakness.
“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, especially to his family who were with him when he passed,” read a statement from the Lawrence family shared by Gloucestershire.
David Lawrence, born on January 28, 1964, began his first-class cricket journey with Gloucestershire in 1981 at the age of 17. During his 16-year stint, he earned admiration at the club for his fiery pace bowling. He featured in 170 first-class matches, taking 477 wickets at an average of 31.27. His best figures came against Warwickshire, with an impressive 7 for 47.
Lawrence’s 6/20 in 1991 Remains One of Gloucestershire’s Best 50-Over Spells
In the one-day format, Lawrence played 110 matches and took 148 wickets. One of his most notable performances came in 1991, when he recorded 6 for 20 against a Combined Universities XI — the third-best bowling figures in Gloucestershire’s 50-over history.
“A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd faced every challenge head-on, including his final battle with MND. He was always willing to encourage and think of others right up to the end, reflecting the man he was. As President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with immense pride and passion, cherishing every moment of it.”
“Syd’s wife Gaynor and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support shown to them and the family so far and ask for some time and space to grieve in private,” the statement added.
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