Lizelle Lee signs two-year contract with Hobart Hurricanes

Lizelle Lee will stay with the Hobart Hurricanes for at least the next two seasons after signing a new contract with the club ahead of the WBBL draft.

Since retiring from international cricket in the 2022-23 season, Lee has made Tasmania her home. Last season, she was the Hurricanes’ top run-scorer, amassing 409 runs at an average of 37.18 and a strike rate of 146.07, including a standout unbeaten 101 against the Melbourne Renegades.

Lizelle Lee Looks Forward to Continued Success with Hobart Hurricanes

Lizelle Lee is thrilled to continue her journey with the Hobart Hurricanes, having signed a two-year contract extension with the team ahead of the upcoming WBBL draft. Reflecting on the progress made last season, Lee expressed her enthusiasm for the future.

“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,” Lee stated. Her dedication and performance have been instrumental in her commitment to the team.

Cricket Tasmania’s General Manager, Salliann Beams, shared her excitement about Lee’s renewed partnership with Elyse Villani at the top of the order. “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,” Beams commented. She emphasized Lee’s significant impact, noting, “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 highlighted Lee’s ability to influence the game with both the bat and in the field, reflecting on her impressive track record in international cricket for South Africa and in the WBBL. “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.

Looking ahead, Hurricanes’ Head Coach Jude Coleman has indicated the team’s intent to bolster their lineup by adding another top-order batter during the draft. The team also retains rights to South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, who was a standout performer last season with 13 wickets. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one as the Hurricanes aim to build on their progress and vie for the WBBL title.

Lizelle Lee’s Stellar WBBL Journey: From Melbourne Stars to Hobart Hurricanes

Lizelle Lee’s journey in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) began with the Melbourne Stars in WBBL|03 as an overseas signing, marking the start of a distinguished career that has seen her represent the Stars, Melbourne Renegades, and Hobart Hurricanes. Over her career, Lee has played in 82 WBBL matches, showcasing her talent and versatility across the league.

In her impressive WBBL tenure, Lee has accumulated 2,066 runs at an average of 27.91, placing her 16th on the all-time run-scoring list. Her notable achievements include three centuries, one of which she scored at Blundstone Arena last year against the Melbourne Renegades. Lee’s ability to score big runs has been a cornerstone of her WBBL career.

In addition to her batting prowess, Lee’s wicketkeeping has been a significant aspect of her game. She ranks 12th in the WBBL all-time wicketkeeping dismissal list, highlighting her skill and reliability behind the stumps. Fans can expect to see her don the gloves for the Hurricanes once again next season, continuing her dual role as a top-order batter and a dependable wicketkeeper.

Last season, Lee was a dominant force in the league, opening the batting for the Hurricanes and amassing 409 runs at an impressive average of 37.18 and a striking rate of 146.07. Her exceptional performance earned her the title of Hobart Hurricanes WBBL Player of the Season, underscoring her invaluable contribution to the team.

Cricket Tasmania’s General Manager of High Performance, Salliann Beams, expressed her enthusiasm about Lee’s return to Hobart. “Lizzy has been huge for us in the past few seasons,” Beams said. “She has helped set the tone for our innings by getting us off to a positive start. 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.”

Beams also noted the strategic significance of retaining Lee, particularly with the team holding the number one pick in the WBBL Draft. “She provided us with great versatility with our overseas pre-signing,” Beams explained. “Given that we had the number one pick in the draft, it made sense for us to pre-sign someone who we know can play a crucial role for us.”

As Lee continues her WBBL career with the Hurricanes, her combination of batting strength, wicketkeeping skill, and leadership promises to be a key asset for the team as they strive for success in the upcoming season.

Lizelle Lee’s Continued Impact: Hurricanes Secure Star Player for WBBL|10

Lizelle Lee’s influence in cricket continues to be undeniable as she prepares for another season with the Hobart Hurricanes, following her re-signing for WBBL|10. Her exceptional ability to make game-changing contributions with both bat and ball has solidified her status as a key player in the league.

“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, which made her a great choice as our overseas pre-signing,” explained Salliann Beams, Cricket Tasmania’s General Manager of High Performance. Lee’s remarkable track record in these areas underscores why she was a strategic choice for the Hurricanes’ roster.

As the Hurricanes gear up for the new season, Lee will join a formidable group of players already under contract. The squad includes Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, and Elyse Villani. This diverse and talented roster is set to bring a blend of experience and skill to WBBL|10, with Lee’s contributions expected to be pivotal as the team aims for a successful campaign.

Conclusion

As the Hobart Hurricanes prepare for WBBL|10, the retention of Lizelle Lee represents a strategic and impactful decision for the team. Her proven ability to influence matches with both her batting and wicketkeeping skills ensures that she will remain a crucial player for the Hurricanes. Joining a roster that already includes key talents like Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, and Elyse Villani, Lee’s presence bolsters the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.

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With her extensive experience and past performances highlighting her as one of the league’s standout players, Lee’s continued association with the Hurricanes is set to play a significant role in their quest for success. As the new season approaches, the blend of seasoned and emerging talents in the squad promises to make the Hobart Hurricanes a formidable contender in the WBBL, with Lee’s contributions poised to be a driving force in their campaign.