Gloucestershire to remember Syd Lawrence with One Day Cup fixture
The match, against Nottinghamshire, takes place today
After MND Awareness Day last week, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club will honour former Club President and fast bowler David 'Syd' Lawrence, by wearing a special commemorative kit during a dedicated tribute match against Nottinghamshire today (Sunday 9 August), in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
Lawrence, who died in June 2025, aged 61, after a year-long battle with motor neurone disease, was one of the most beloved figures in Gloucestershire's history.
Born in the city, he made his debut for the county at 17, went on to play five Tests for England and, in 1988, became the first British-born Black cricketer to represent his country. In 2022, he became Gloucestershire's first Black president.
The 2026 fixture follows the Club's successful Pink 4 Syd match against Hampshire Hawks in 2025, which raised £12,000 for the MND Association.
The Cheltenham match will once again see the Club raise funds and awareness for the MNDA, the charity supported by Syd and his family during his illness, with Nottinghamshire joining as active partners in the day.
Gloucestershire's vice-captain and a passionate supporter of fundraising efforts for the MNDA, James Bracey, said: "Syd meant everything to this Club and to so many of us personally.
“This is a chance to celebrate his life in the place he loved most, doing the thing he loved most, and to make sure his legacy helps other people and families going through what he went through."
The occasion carries particular resonance for Bracey, who was visibly moved when Lawrence presented him with the T20 Blast trophy last September - one of the final public appearances of the former fast bowler's life.
Bracey added: "That moment with the trophy is something I will never forget. Syd was so proud of what the club had achieved and so proud of the players.
“To be able to do something like this for him, and for MNDA, feels like the right way to honour that."
Chief Executive Officer at Gloucestershire Cricket, Neil Priscott, added: "We’re delighted to once again support the Motor Neurone Disease Association in honour of Gloucestershire legend David ‘Syd’ Lawrence.
"We wanted to continue the momentum from last year’s Pink 4 Syd match, and we feel bringing this initiative to Cheltenham for the Gloucestershire v Nottinghamshire fixture on Sunday is the perfect opportunity to do that.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming our supporters and members to the match, and we hope they will join us in remembering Syd’s contribution to the Club and help us raise funds for a fantastic charity."