Explained: Why Indian and English cricketers are wearing black armbands on Day 3 of Headingley Test

The Indian and English players were seen wearing black armbands on Day 3 of the first Test at Headingley in memory of former pacer David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, who had passed away at the age of 61 on Saturday.

A minute’s applause was observed at Headingley ahead of the start of the day’s play in memory of the first British-born black cricketer to represent England, who played five Tests between 1988 and 1992 and collected 18 wickets.

Lawrence had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, an incurable illness, nearly a year ago. “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 the pacer’s family given to Britain’s PA news agency.

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‘A true trailblazer’

Besides playing five Tests for England, Lawrence played 185 First-Class and 113 List A matches for Gloucestershire in a domestic career spanning 16 years from 1981 to 1997.

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson described Lawrence as a “true trailblazer” and a “powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport”.

This is the second time in three days in the ongoing Headingley Test that the players are wearing black armbands. They had previously paid tribute to victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash earlier this month with a minute’s silence on Day 1.