Viewers watching the Headingley Test on Sunday may have noticed something: both Indian and England players were wearing black armbands again. This wasn’t the first time in the match either.
But today, the reason was different. Day 3’s tribute was held in memory of David 'Syd' Lawrence, a former England fast bowler who passed away recently. The cricketing world paused to remember a man whose life was full of both inspiration and tragedy.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
Who was David ‘Syd’ Lawrence?
David Lawrence was a former fast bowler who played for England in the late 1980s and early 90s. He appeared in five Test matches and one ODI for the national side and picked up a total of 22 international wickets.
He was the first British-born black cricketer to represent England. He also had a long domestic career with Gloucestershire, playing over 180 first-class matches across 16 years.
Lawrence passed away on Saturday at the age of 61. Before the start of play on Day 3, a minute’s applause was observed at the ground to honour his memory. As a sign of respect, all players wore black armbands throughout the day.
MORE: Goenka praises Jaiswal, Gill & Pant for Headingley tons
He had been fighting Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a serious and incurable condition. Just earlier this year, he had spoken about it publicly in his book In Syd’s Voice.
Sadly, his battle came to an end just days after he was named an Honorary Life Vice-President of the ECB and was also recognised with an MBE for his services.
Both teams are wearing black armbands to pay their respects to former England Cricketer, David 'Syd' Lawrence, who has sadly passed away.
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 22, 2025
There was a moment's applause before start of play on Day 3. pic.twitter.com/SNvecJm9rh
Was this the only time armbands were worn in the 1st Test?
This was the second time during the same match. On Day 1, both India and England had worn black armbands and held a moment of silence before play began. That tribute was for the victims of the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad.
MORE: ‘Gautam is doing a good job’: Ganguly lauds Gambhir’s rise as India coach
That crash, which involved a flight headed to London from Ahmedabad, killed 241 people on board. It was one of the most heartbreaking air disasters in recent memory, and players paid their respects right before the national anthems on the first day.