David Lawrence becomes first President of color at Gloucestershire

The former English fast bowler David Lawrence has taken over as the new President of Gloucestershire, replacing Roger Gibbons at the club's AGM on Thursday. Lawrence, who represented England in five tests and one ODI from 1988 to 1992, has become the first-ever black President of Gloucestershire in this process in the 152-year history of the club.

Lawrence played 185 first-class games for Gloucestershire in his 16-year long career from 1981 to 1997, in which he picked 515 wickets at an average of 32.1. Further, in 113 List-A matches, the right-arm fast bowler had 155 dismissals to his name at an impressive average of 26.4. 

Reacting to his election as the President of the club he represented as a player for so many years, Lawrence was elated and termed it a matter of great honour. He also insisted on developing every aspect of Gloucestershire cricket that would take the Bristol-based club to new heights in the County circuit. 

"I'm a local boy, born in Gloucester itself, and I came to Bristol when I was 16, so to be back as President is a great honour for me. It does show you how far we've come as a Club. It shows me where the game is going and needs to go", Lawrence said. "But I'm not here just as a token gesture, and what I mean by that is a lot has happened in cricket over the last six months, and we know we need to do more within the game. So I'm happy to be making sure we are going in the right direction", the 58-year-old added. 

The Gloucester-born also stressed on playing an active role in the African-Caribbean Engagement program, which would fulfil his aim of seeing a more significant number of local players donning the jersey of the historic club soon. 

"I think it's important that we get more inner-city kids playing the game, black, white, male and female", Lawrence said. "I would love to see a local boy walk out to play for Gloucestershire. That would give me immense pleasure to see that happen, and that's what we want; we all want to see more local boys and girls playing for Gloucestershire", the former England international concluded.