David “Syd” Lawrence, who has died aged 61, played five matches as a fast bowler for England until his career was cut short by a horrific knee collapse as he was running in against New Zealand in Wellington in 1992.

GLOUCESTER, England (AP) — David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died. He was 61. Lawrence’s family made the announcement on Sunday with a statement through Gloucestershire, where Lawrence was the club president. He announced a year ago he had motor neurone disease.

David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, the pioneering cricketer who became the first British-born Black player to represent England, has died at the age of 61.