Lawrence is the latest former high-profile sports star to reveal a diagnosis of MND.

Former England and Leeds rugby league player Rob Burrow passed away from the illness earlier this month, while former Scotland rugby union forward Doddie Weir died in November 2022, six years after his diagnosis.

Former Gloucester and Leicester Tigers forward Ed Slater and ex-Ipswich Town and Sunderland striker Marcus Stewart also suffer from the disease.

Motor neurone disease, external is a rare, degenerative condition which affects the brain and nerves, for which there is no cure.

Ian Thomas, managing director of member services at the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), said the union was in “deep shock at the tragic news” of Lawrence’s diagnosis.

“David has been an inspiration throughout his cricket and post-cricket career and we have no doubt he will continue to fight and show his determination to fight MND,” he said.

“The PCA and the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, the players’ charity, will be here for David and importantly, his family, offering the best possible support.”

In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board said: “We are saddened to learn of David’s diagnosis.

“He embodies everything that is great about our game and all of our hearts go out to ‘Syd’ and his family.”