Former England fast bowler David ‘Syd’ Lawrence has lost his battle with motor neurone disease (MND) at the age of 61.

Lawrence was a trailblazer for international cricket, becoming the first British-born black player to represent England when he debuted in 1988.

Since being diagnosed with MND last year, Lawrence has raised significant funds and awareness for the disease, for which he was appointed MBA in the King’s Birthday honours earlier this month.

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BBC radio show Test Match Special shared the news of his death on Sunday night (AEST).

“It is with great sadness we report the passing of David ‘Syd’ Lawrence,” they said.

“Syd, the first British-born black cricketer to represent England, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year. He has died at the age of 61.

“The former fast bowler will forever be an England and Gloucestershire legend.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends, as well as everyone impacted by this horrible disease. Rest peacefully, Syd.”

A family statement read: “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.”

Lawrence played five Tests for England, taking three wickets on debut against Sri Lanka, and 18 in total.

In England though, he was better known for his decorated career at Gloucestershire, where he took 477 wickets at 31.27 in 170 first-class matches for the county.

“A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different,” his family added.

“His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.”

On Sunday, players from England and India observed a minute’s applause before play began on Day 3 of the first Test match of their series.