Day 3 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley saw players from both teams wearing black armbands. This gesture was not related to the recent Ahmedabad air crash, which the teams had already commemorated on Day 1 of the Test with black armbands and a moment of silence.
The black armbands worn on Day 3, June 22, 2025, were in remembrance of former England fast bowler David "Syd" Lawrence, who recently passed away at the age of 61 after battling motor neurone disease (MND). The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) described Lawrence as a "pioneering fast bowler whose career and character left an indelible mark on English cricket". A moment of applause was observed before the start of play as a mark of respect.
Lawrence, born in Gloucester in 1964, was the first British-born Black player to represent England. He made his Test debut in 1988 and played five Tests and one ODI. His most notable performance came in 1991 when he claimed 5 for 106 against the West Indies at The Oval. His promising career was tragically cut short by a severe knee injury in 1992 during a Test match in New Zealand.
Beyond his playing career, Lawrence was a leading figure in promoting diversity and inclusion in cricket. Diagnosed with MND in 2024, he faced his illness with courage and transparency, raising awareness about the condition. In 2025, he was awarded an MBE and named an Honorary Life Vice-President of the ECB.
The wearing of black armbands is a tradition in cricket to signify mourning or to commemorate the death of a player or significant figure. The Indian cricket team has observed this practice on several occasions to honor former players, cricket legends or to mark national tragedies.
