David 'Syd' Lawrence Plans Return (4 Dec 1996)

4 December 1996

Lawrence plans return

By Richard Bright

DAVID `Syd` Lawrence, the former England fast bowler, is attempting a return to first-class cricket two years after he was forced to quit with a serious knee injury suffered in a Test against New Zealand in 1992.

Lawrence, 32, said yesterday he had held talks with Gloucestershire about a return to his old club. "I feel fitter than ever and I`m raring to go," he said.

Lawrence`s kneecap split during the last game of England`s 1992 tour of New Zealand. After surgery and physiotherapy, he tried to return to cricket but failed. Lawrence has played 13 games since the injury - benefits and games for Torquay in the Devon League.

"I`ve spoken to Gloucestershire and I`m hoping to be fully fit for the first preseason game in April," he said. "I feel that if someone put a ball in my hand, I could still bowl it as fast as I used to, if not faster."

Sussex chairman Alan Caffyn yesterday defended the county`s treatment of Ed Giddins. In a letter to members, Caffyn hit back at criticism that Sussex did not provide help and rehabilitation for the fast bowler.

Sussex fired Giddins after he was found guilty of taking cocaine and banned for 19 months by the TCCB. Caffyn said: "There`s no way that a bowler of Ed`s ability would not have been re-engaged unless there was good reason. The drug incident was just one factor and not the sole reason. I am not, however, prepared to go into details." He added: "Had Ed asked for help it would have been readily forthcoming."

Former Test captain Allan Border has been appointed coach of Australia`s reserve limited-overs side. Border will also take charge of Australia`s under-19 team on their tour to Pakistan in February and March.

Nottinghamshire have made Derbyshire`s Steve Birks head groundsman.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)