Alyssa Healy’s retirement from Australia’s T20 cricket team has created a significant void, sparking discussions about potential replacements. One unexpected candidate is Lizelle Lee, a former South African wicketkeeper who has been making waves in Australia’s domestic circuit.
Lee, who retired from international cricket for South Africa in 2022, has since become a standout performer in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Her relocation to Tasmania has coincided with a period of dominance, as she played a crucial role in helping the Tasmanian Tigers secure three consecutive Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) titles. Most recently, she was named player of the match in the WBBL final, scoring an unbeaten 77 from 44 balls to lead the Hobart Hurricanes to their first title.
Lee’s Stellar Domestic Performance
Lizelle Lee’s prowess on the field is undeniable. Known for her aggressive batting style, she has consistently delivered impressive performances. Her ability to hit boundaries with ease has made her a formidable opponent, and she has donned the wicketkeeping gloves in 110 T20 matches, positioning her as a potential replacement for Healy.
Hurricanes captain Elyse Villani praised Lee’s performance, stating,
“She’s just phenomenal. Just being able to sit back and watch her dominate bowling attacks, and some of the shots that she hits – she’s the cleanest hitter I’ve ever come across.”
Lee’s impact extends beyond the WBBL. In the Women’s Premier League, she has been a standout for the Delhi Capitals, ranking as the second-leading run-scorer, only behind Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Her recent performances include a 54-ball 86 against the Gujarat Giants in Mumbai.
Eligibility and Future Prospects
Having settled in Hobart with her wife Tanja, Lee acquired Australian permanent resident status last year, making her eligible to represent Tasmania as a local player. Despite her eligibility, Lee has downplayed the possibility of an Australian national team call-up, citing the abundance of young talent in the country.
Lee remarked,
“I’m 33 years old, and they have such good talent in this country. You have so many young players coming through, I don’t think it would be very clever looking at somebody like me.”
As Australia prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United Kingdom, Beth Mooney is considered the leading candidate to take over wicketkeeping duties, while Georgia Voll is expected to open the batting.
Beyond Playing: Lee’s Umpiring Ambitions
While Lee’s cricketing career continues to flourish, she harbors ambitions beyond playing, aspiring to become a top international umpire. She has already gained experience officiating matches in Tasmanian Premier Cricket and the Female Under-19 National Championships.
Lee expressed her aspirations, saying,
“I don’t want to take away my cricket, because I still feel like there’s a lot in me, but I would not mind being one of the top international umpires. That’s something that I really want to do – and who doesn’t want to go to the Olympics, it doesn’t matter what you’re going for.”
Looking ahead, Lee dreams of participating in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, not as a player, but as an umpire. Her long-term goal includes officiating at the Brisbane Olympics in 2032, should her playing career conclude by then.
As the cricket world awaits Australia’s decision on Healy’s successor, Lee’s journey continues to capture attention, both on and off the field. The Delhi Capitals will next face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, and all eyes will be on Lee as she continues her impressive run.
