Overview

• Lawrence broke barriers as the first British-born black player to represent England, taking 18 wickets in five Tests between 1988 and 1992.
• A severe knee injury during a 1992 Test in Wellington effectively ended his international career just as he was establishing himself.
• Diagnosed with motor neurone disease in June 2024, he championed fundraising and awareness through public appeals and his autobiography In Syd’s Voice.
• His services to cricket and community advocacy were recognised with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in June 2025.
• From 2022, he served as the first black president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport.