Some week on the The Observer sports desk as we launched refreshed newspaper with a London Marathon supplement alongside sport section. In the pages today... 🧵

From World Cup winner to changemaker Welcome Jofra Archer to Bat For a Chance as our newest Global Ambassador🤝

Brilliant to see the first six honorary life vice-presidents of the ECB named today for their impact, longevity and commitment to the game. And for Dave 'Syd' Lawrence to be one of them is just fantastic ecb.co.uk/news/4264748/e…

Following on from serialisation in The Times, and featuring on BBC Breakfast some more great coverage today around the publication of Dave ‘Syd’ Lawrence’s autobiography: “In Syd’s Voice” available from fairfieldbooks.co.uk #sportsbook #cricket #mnd

It’s publication day for ‘In Syd’s Voice - the Extraordinary Life of Dave Lawrence’ and I couldn’t be more proud to be able to help bring it to the public. Order your copy here fairfieldbooks.co.uk

Huge congratulations to Dave ‘Syd’ Lawrence and Devon Malcolm for their MBE and OBE respectively in the King’s birthday honours. Two hugely respected men.

I do like this from England and Wales Cricket Board Play the game any which way you want to. Just enjoy it.

Good luck to Gloucestershire Cricket 🏆 v Hampshire Hawks in their T20 Blast ‘Pink4Syd’ match this evening. And here’s a message from the great Kevin Sinfield about Syd’s book. fairfieldbooks.co.uk

Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time.

It is with great sadness we report the passing of David 'Syd' Lawrence. 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

We are deeply saddened to hear David Lawrence MBE has passed away. He took 670 wickets and played six times for England before becoming Gloucestershire President. A trailblazing figure in so many ways, he will be sorely missed. 🔗 bit.ly/DavidLawrence1…

Everyone at the ECB is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE. All of our thoughts are with David's family and friends during this difficult time.

Rest in Peace David ‘Syd’ Lawrence MBE who has died aged 61. The cricketer was the first British-born Black player to represent England His death comes almost a year after he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). RIP #pioneer #davidlawrence #legacy 🏏🏏

What a deserved moment of applause for Syd Lawrence from both teams at Headingley. A poignant and respectful gesture from England and Wales Cricket Board befitting the high esteem he was held in. Huge thanks to all involved.

Syd's passing is being given the respectful and warm appreciation that he deserves. He loved being Glos CCC President and was so proud of the club.

Right up to the end Syd was calling the shots. He kept asking me “when are you going on talkSPORT to promote the book?” Today I did as he asked, and he would have loved listening in. Thanks to Hawksbee & Jacobs for having me on and supporting the book. fairfieldbooks.co.uk

Fabulous knock of 77 from Angus Brown for England Mixed Disability men vs India Mixed Disability men T20 on the main ground at Lord’s. Smashed it to all parts. Now to defend 123/9. Great day all round at Lord’s with Table Cricket, softball cricket, VI exhibition match and more!

🏏 "To play all formats week-by-week has been difficult times, but my game is similar throughout." 💪 "I felt opening in the ODIs put me in quite a good space for his series." Jamie Smith reflects on playing all 3 formats for England 📺 WATCH: youtube.com/watch?v=6JObGl…

💪 "We've had a bit of a break & you try and work out how to evolve." ✅ "You've got to trust they'll make the right decision more often than not." Rob Key discusses whether England have become more refined under Stokes & McCullum 📺 WATCH: youtube.com/watch?v=_e5apD…

The funeral of Club President David Lawrence will take place at 2pm on Friday 18 July at St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol. Family and friends are all welcome to attend. Further details can be found on our website.