South Africa women’s star cricketer Lizelle Lee retires from international cricket
South Africa women’s star cricketer Lizelle Lee retires from international cricket
South Africa’s star opening cricketer Lizelle Lee has decided to hang her bat from all forms of international cricket .Lee, who was the 2021 ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, made the announcement ahead of the team’s three-match ODI series against England, taking place in Northampton on Monday.
The 30-year-old made her international debut for South Africa during the T20 inbound tour against Bangladesh at Potchefstroom in 2013 and received hwe first ODI cap a week later in the same series.
The opening batsman in the 50-over game scored 3,315 runs in 100 matches, including 23 half-centuries and three centuries, with a career-best score of 132 not out against India in Lucknow in March last year.
In T20 cricket, Lizelle Lee played 82 matches where she scored 1,896 runs while she scored 13 50s and a century against Thailand in 2020 to become the second SA woman to reach triple figures in T20Is.
The Senwes Dragons star continues to top the list of run scorers in T20Is for South Africa internationally, while she comes second only to the recently retired Mignon du Preez in the ODI format.
“It is with a lot of mixed feelings that I am announcing my retirement from international cricket,” she said.
“From a very young age, I have lived cricket and wanted to represent my country at the highest level. In the last eight years I was able to live that dream and I feel I have given the Proteas everything I could.
“I feel ready for the next phase of my career and will continue to play domestic T20 cricket around the world. It has been an incredible journey and it would not have been possible without all those who have supported me throughout my international career.
“I would like to thank my family, especially my wife Tanja, for all the sacrifices she has made for me to fulfill my dream of representing my country. My dreams of playing for the Proteas Thank you to CSA, SACA and all stakeholders for making this a reality and thank you for the opportunities and support.
“My fellow Proteas teammates, thank you for the wonderful memories we made together. You have made this journey incredible and I could not have done this without you. I will always support you; we will always rise together.”
“Finally to my fans, I am the person I am because of the love and support I have given me throughout my international career. I look forward to continuing this journey with you in various leagues around the world,” Lizelle Lee concluded.