Revealed: Why are India and England players wearing black armbands on Day 3 of Leeds Test?

Former England fast bowler David ‘Syd’ Lawrence died at the age of 61 on Saturday after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a condition he had been battling in recent times. India and England wore black armbands on the third day of the Test match in Leeds as a mark of respect.

Lawrence made his debut in 1988 as the first Black man born in Britain to represent England in Test cricket. However, his international career ended in 1992, when he suffered a devastating knee injury during a Test match in Wellington. He was named an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2025.

Revealed: Why Are India And England Players Wearing Black Armbands

India and England’s players took the field wearing black armbands. At the start of play on Day 3, England’s overnight batters Ollie Pope and Harry Brook were seen wearing black bands, and the Indian team also stepped onto the field with the same.

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expressed condolences on social media following the death of David 'Syd' Lawrence. On X, the board said it was deeply saddened by his passing and extended its sympathies to Lawrence’s family and friends during this difficult time.

"Everyone at the ECB is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE. All of our thoughts are with David's family and friends during this difficult time."

Everyone at the ECB is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE.

All of our thoughts are with David's family and friends during this difficult time.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 22, 2025

David Lawrence Represented England in Five Tests and One ODI

Lawrence represented England in five Test matches and one ODI between 1988 and 1992, picking up a total of 22 international wickets. He made a significant impact in domestic cricket.

The former cricketer was one of the fastest bowlers of his era. He took 515 wickets in 185 First-Class matches and added 155 more to his tally in 115 List A games.

“Lawrence brought raw pace, aggression, and a fierce competitive spirit to the international stage.. his finest moment coming in 1991 when he took 5-106 against the West Indies at The Oval,” the ECB stated.

David Lawrence Diagnosed With Motor Neurone Disease in June 2024

David Lawrence was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), a terminal neurological illness that gradually weakens the muscles by affecting the nerves that control them, in June 2024.

He remained closely connected to the sport, even joining Gloucestershire’s celebrations after they ended a nine-year trophy drought by winning the T20 Blast. Earlier this month, Lawrence released his autobiography, In Syd’s Voice, co-authored with cricket journalist Dean Wilson.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease,” read a statement from his family.

“A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.”

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