Lizelle Lee, the former South African international, has extended her stay with the Hobart Hurricanes for two more seasons, bolstering the team’s batting lineup ahead of the upcoming WBBL draft. Lee, who retired from international cricket in 2022-23, has made Tasmania her permanent home and played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes’ success last season.
As the team’s leading run-scorer with 409 runs at an impressive average of 37.18 and a strike rate of 146.07, Lee’s contributions were instrumental in the Hurricanes’ progress. Her unbeaten century against the Melbourne Renegades showcased her exceptional batting prowess.
Lee expressed her enthusiasm for continuing her journey with the Hurricanes, stating, “I feel like the team made some strong progress last season, and I am looking forward to playing my role and natural game as we look to bring Tasmania and the Hurricanes their first WBBL trophy.”
Cricket Tasmania’s general manager, Salliann Beams, hailed Lee’s re-signing as a significant boost to the team. “With her and Junior at the top of our order, I think we have arguably the most experienced and talented opening pairing in the WBBL,” she said. “She provided us with great versatility with our overseas pre-signing, and considering we had the number one pick in the WBBL draft, it made sense for us to pre-sign someone who we know can play a role for us.”
Beams further praised Lee’s all-around abilities, highlighting her impact both with the bat and in the field. “She can change the game with the bat and in the field, having done so time and time again in international cricket for South Africa and in the WBBL,” she added.
Hurricanes’ head coach Jude Coleman has indicated that the team will seek to strengthen their top four batting lineup during the draft. They also hold retention rights for South African quick bowler Shabnim Ismail, who claimed 13 wickets last season.
With Lee’s re-signing and the potential additions through the draft, the Hobart Hurricanes are poised to make a strong push for their maiden WBBL title in the upcoming season.
