Former England bowler David Lawrence diagnosed with motor neurone disease | Cricket

David Lawrence, the primary Britain-born black participant to function for ­England, has been identified with motor neurone illness.

Gloucestershire, the place Lawrence is the present president, introduced that the 60-year-old – whose first of 5 Check caps got here in 1988 and who additionally featured in a single one-day ­worldwide – was identified with MND earlier this month following a collection of checks.

Born and introduced up in ­Gloucestershire, Lawrence – ­affectionately often called “Syd” – performed in 298 matches for his house county between 1981 and 1997, ­taking 670 wickets throughout his profession at Nevil Highway.

He was unveiled as membership ­president in April 2022, and Gloucestershire confirmed Lawrence wished to see out the whole lot of his time period on the county. Gloucestershire’s chief government, Will Brown, mentioned on the membership’s web site: “Everybody on the membership is devastated to listen to of the information from David Lawrence and his MND ­prognosis. David is an icon of the sport, a membership legend and a trailblazer as the primary British-born black participant to play for England.

“Greater than that he’s the perfect of individuals, variety, loving, thoughtful and an inspiration to all of us right here at Gloucestershire.

Working with him since he has been membership president has been each an superior and humbling expertise – he has opened doorways we didn’t even know had been there, helped us be taught and change into a pal to so many people. That friendship is a really particular factor and one I do know all of us cherish.

“I do know I converse for everybody ­related to the membership in sending all our like to David, [his wife] Gaynor and all of their household and buddies.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board additionally handed on finest needs to Lawrence, who claimed 18 Check ­wickets and returned 4 for 67 in his ODI look in opposition to West Indies earlier than a fractured left kneecap minimize brief his profession aged 28.

“We’re saddened to be taught of David’s prognosis,” the ECB mentioned in a press release on X. “He embodies all the pieces that’s nice about our sport and all of our hearts exit to ‘Syd’ and his household.”

The Skilled Cricketers’ Affiliation may even proceed to assist Lawrence. “David has been an inspiration all through his cricket and post-cricket profession and we now have little question he’ll proceed to battle and present his willpower to battle MND,” mentioned Ian Thomas, managing director of member companies on the PCA. “The PCA and the Skilled Cricketers’ Belief, the gamers’ charity, can be right here for David and importantly, his household, providing the absolute best assist.”