ENG vs IND: Why are players wearing black armbands on day three of Headingley Test?

The third day of the opening Test match in Leeds got off on a sombre note as players from both the Indian cricket team and England were seen wearing black armbands. Both sides were mourning the loss of former English pacer David Lawrence, who passed away at the age of 61. Lawrence had played a handful of games for England and took 18 wickets in the Test format and was known for his terrifying pace. 

David Lawrence’ family put out a statement which read, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease. ‘Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family, who were with him when he passed.”

The statement also went on to read, “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.”

“As president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it. Syd’s wife, Gaynor, and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support that has been shown to them and the family so far and would ask that they are now given some time and space to grieve in private.” A statement from Lawrence’s family read. 

David Lawrence cricket journey 

At the age of 17, David Lawrence made his county debut for Gloucestershire for whom he played for the rest of his career. Lawrence got his Test debut in 1988 against Sri Lanka at the home of cricket in Lord’s. On his debut, the right-arm fast bowler got three wickets, which included names like Duleep Mendis and Aravinda De Silva. 

In five games for England in the longest format, Lawrence picked 18 wickets with just one fifer. Lawrence also played one ODI game and took four wickets, which came against West Indies, where he got the wickets of Jeff Dujon, Carl Hooper, Malcom Marshall, and Courtney Walsh.