• A Surrey academy graduate has died at the age of 34, the club confirmed
  • His former team-mate Rory Burns has paid an emotional tribute to him 

By SAM BROOKES

A talented young cricketer has tragically passed away at the age of 34.

Josh Lawrence came through Surrey’s academy and represented the second XI during his time at the club.

Surrey confirmed Lawrence’s death in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement read: ‘Everyone at Surrey County Cricket Club were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Surrey Academy graduate Josh Lawrence. Josh played in the Surrey age group pathway as well representing the Second XI.’

Club captain Rory Burns, who also played 32 Tests for England between 2018 and 2022, came through Surrey’s ranks alongside Lawrence.

He paid an emotional tribute to his former team-mate, hailing him as someone who was ‘a pleasure to share the field with’.

Josh Lawrence (pictured) who came through the ranks at Surrey has tragically passed away

Josh Lawrence (pictured) who came through the ranks at Surrey has tragically passed away

Surrey captain and ex-England star Rory Burns (pictured) has paid tribute to Lawrence

Surrey captain and ex-England star Rory Burns (pictured) has paid tribute to Lawrence

Lawrence's ex-club Spencer also paid tribute to Lawrence and posted photos of him in action

Lawrence’s ex-club Spencer also paid tribute to Lawrence and posted photos of him in action

‘On behalf of the Club I’d like to extend my condolences to Josh’s family and friends,’ Burns wrote in a statement posted on Instagram.

‘I played alongside Josh growing up and he was a great cricketer and a pleasure to share the field with. 

‘I was greatly saddened to hear of his passing and my best wishes are with all who knew him.’

Lawrence’s former club Spencer also sent their own tribute after he played for them as a teenager.

‘We are very saddened to hear of the recent passing of former member Josh Lawrence,’ they wrote on Instagram alongside photos of Lawrence in action.

‘Josh played for Spencer in 2008/9 and was a part of our ECB National Championship Club Final team in Derby in 2009.’

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Former cricketer dies aged 34 as ex-England star and team-mate Rory Burns pays emotional tribute

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