Lizelle Lee on excellent form for Proteas: ‘It’s about sticking to the basics’ | Sport

Lizelle Lee. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

• Proteas opener Lizelle Lee admits sticking to the basics is key following her stellar performances in the Caribbean.
• Lee was the star performer for the Proteas women as they won the ODI and T20 series against the West Indies.
• Proteas coach Hilton Moreeng says it’s a blessing to have Lee in his squad and hailed her consistency throughout this season.

Proteas opener Lizelle Lee says keeping things simple has resulted in her superb consistency with the bat following South Africa’s tour of the West Indies.

Lee dominated the Windies bowling attack and steered the Proteas women to a 2-1 T20 series win and a 4-1 ODI series in the Caribbean.

The 29-year-old top-scored in both the T20 and ODI series against the West Indies tour – scoring 114 runs in the three T20s and 248 runs in four ODIs.

In the ODI series, Lee scored three half-centuries, which included an unbeaten 91 in the first ODI at Coolidge Cricket Ground. 

Following her 78 not out in the third ODI, Lee jumped to joint number one-ranked batter in the ICC ODI women rankings alongside India captain Mithali Raj. She has now moved back to number two on the list.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Lee insisted that there isn’t a secret to her success as she looked to bat through to the 15 overs.

“I don’t think there’s a secret. I had to find a way of being consistent and make sure I get through the first 15 overs. I think I accomplished that in the tour,” said Lee.

“The big thing for me was sticking to the basics… It doesn’t matter what the team gets or what plans you have, it’s how you adapt in the middle.

“Every game and every wicket plays differently and as a batting squad, we have to adapt on what’s in front of you. I think I’ve matured in that sense,” continued Lee.

“I’ve started playing the situation and not always on how I would want to play. Play with what’s in front of you and make sure you have a clear mind in playing certain shot selections.”

Proteas coach Hilton Moreeng says that having a player like Lee in his squad is considered a “blessing”, stating that her hard work has paid off.

“She understands her skill and she knows what she is capable of. Whatever conditions, she can apply herself and she’s an expert cricketer,” Moreeng told reporters on Tuesday.

“She’s worked extremely hard over the last few years to be this consistent and all the credit to her. It’s well-deserved. She’s dominating bowlers and getting more not outs. To have her in our team is a blessing.”

Lee will now turn her attention back to T20 cricket as she gets ready for the start of the Women’s Big Bash League, scheduled to get under way from 14 October to 27 November.

She will join the Melbourne Renegades for this season’s Women’s Big Bash League in Australia.

“There’s no tour where you go and you haven’t learnt something whether it’s the Big Bash or the Hundred. I always go away with something and apply it to my game,” added Lee.

Moreeng hopes that Lee can continue her form as the Proteas gear up for the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.

“Even when she goes to Australia in the T20 Leagues, her strategy around batting shouldn’t change,” added Moreeng.

“After each game, we touch base and see what we can improve and with this game, you can never relax as form is temporary.

“We all need to continue to work and when the opportunity comes, she needs to score runs and make sure she’s ready.”