Lizelle Lee has committed to staying with the Hobart Hurricanes for at least the next two seasons, signing with the club ahead of the WBBL draft.
Lee, who has made Tasmania her permanent home since retiring from international cricket after the 2022-23 season, was the Hurricanes' top run-scorer last season. She amassed 409 runs at an average of 37.18 and an impressive strike rate of 146.07, highlighted by an unbeaten 101 against the Melbourne Renegades. Lee expressed her excitement for the upcoming seasons, noting the team’s progress last year and her eagerness to contribute to bringing Tasmania and the Hurricanes their first WBBL trophy.
Cricket Tasmania’s general manager, Salliann Beams, expressed enthusiasm about the continuation of Lee's partnership with Elyse Villani at the top of the order. Beams highlighted that with Lee and Villani leading the batting, the Hurricanes likely have one of the most experienced and skilled opening duos in the WBBL. She also highlighted Lee’s versatility, pointing out that her pre-signing made strategic sense given the team's number one pick in the WBBL draft. Lee's ability to change the game both with the bat and in the field, as she has done frequently for South Africa and in the WBBL, was a key factor in the decision.
Hurricanes' head coach Jude Coleman has previously mentioned that the team aims to recruit another top-order batter during the draft. Additionally, they hold retention rights for South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, who claimed 13 wickets last season.