Dan Lawrence quit school to focus exclusively on cricket. Now he has become England’s latest Test player, making his international bow in Sri Lanka and scoring 73 runs on his debut innings. Let’s take a look at Dan Lawrence and his unorthodox journey into international cricket.
What school did Dan Lawrence go to?
Growing up in the London suburb of Chingford, Dan Lawrence sat his AS Levels at Trinity Catholic High School but opted to drop out before completing his A-Levels.
Reflecting on his move away from education, Lawrence told Echo News it was “quite an easy decision” for him to focus all his efforts on cricket at that stage.
It was a bold choice – but one that is certainly paying off.
Straight into the spotlight
Since leaving school, Dan Lawrence hasn’t looked back. He made his Essex debut at the tender age of 17 and hit his maiden century on only his second appearance for the county.
He has been a permanent fixture in the side since. The talented right-hand batsman – who also bowls off-spin – helped the team to the County Championship title in 2017 and 2019.
Essex also lifted the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy in 2020, cementing their place as the dominant force in county cricket. Lawrence has scored almost 4,000 runs in first-class cricket (Cricinfo).
Lawrence earns international recognition
Having played a pivotal role in Essex’s success, Lawrence was tipped for an England call-up.
The middle-order batsman has watched fellow youngsters Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley make their debuts in recent years.
This week he was finally given his opportunity. With Pope and Ben Stokes both missing from England’s touring squad for Sri Lanka, Lawrence was picked for the number five slot for the first Test in Galle.
Here he is receiving his England cap:
The 23-year-old put in a terrific performance in his first innings. His eye-catching 73 putting England in a strong position in the game. His innings included one six and six fours (Cricinfo).
With an Ashes tour at the end of the year, Lawrence will hope to establish himself in the side as England aim to regain the urn.
Who is Lawrence’s family?
Despite shining on the field, Lawrence had to deal with his mother passing away last year following a long illness.
Lawrence told BBC Sport: “Mum had been ill for a couple of years so, as sad as it was, I had mentally prepared myself for the worst happening.
“That made things quite tough for a couple of months, then it was lovely to go back and play some cricket for Essex around my really good mates, who I needed at that time. They were all fantastic.”
Lawrence’s nickname at Essex is ‘The Kid’. His father was a groundsman while his brother, Tom, is training as a professional wrestler at Lucha Britannia in Bethnal Green. He performs under the name David Wreckham.
- Report: Spanish club leading race to sign Arsenal man, talks are very advanced
- Why did Anne Hathaway start, and quit, smoking?
- Report: Spurs man impressing teammates in training, they can’t believe he hasn’t played more
- Cascarino absolutely loves Arsenal player he says has a ‘very, very rare talent’
- Report: West Ham keen on ‘very, very fast’ 22-year-old, would cost club-record fee to sign him