Lizelle Lee, the South Africa opening batter, announced her immediate retirement from all forms of international cricket on Friday. The 30-year-old Lee, who made her debut for the United States against Bangladesh in 2013, added that she would continue to play domestic T20 cricket elsewhere.
The revelation is a major setback for South Africa as they prepare for their upcoming women's ODI series against England, which will begin on July 11 in Northampton, and, more crucially, as the Commonwealth Games' women's T20 competition will be held in Birmingham from July 29 to August 7.
In women's T20I cricket for South Africa, Lizelle exits the international scene in first place on the list of runs-scorers, while in women's ODIs, Mignon du Preez takes second place. Additionally, she was named the 2021 ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year.
"I am announcing my departure from international cricket with a lot of mixed feelings. I have loved cricket my entire life and have always aspired to play at the greatest level for my country. I've had the opportunity to realise that ambition over the last eight years, and I believe I've given the Proteas everything I've had.
"I will continue to play domestic T20 cricket all over the world because I believe I am prepared for the next stage of my career. Without everyone who helped me during my worldwide career, this fantastic adventure would not have been possible. I would want to express my gratitude to my family, especially my wife Tanja, for all the sacrifices they have made so that I can fulfil my desire to serve my country "Lizelle stated in her letter of resignation.
Lizelle scored 3,315 runs in ODIs in 100 games, including 23 half-centuries, three centuries, and a career-best 132 not out against India in Lucknow in March 2021. Her average in ODIs was 36.42. two Tests, the most recent one against England in Taunton from June 27-30, she made 42 runs.
She played 82 games for the Proteas in women's T20 Internationals, amassing 1,896 runs at an average of 25.62, scoring 13 fifty-run innings and a century against Thailand in the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup to become only the second South African woman to achieve triple digits in T20 Internationals.
"I want to thank CSA, SACA, and all other stakeholders for the chances and help you gave me to fulfil my ambition of playing for the Proteas. I want to express my gratitude to my Proteas teammates for the fantastic memories we have shared. I could not have completed this adventure without you; you made it fantastic.
"I will always stand by your side, and we will always rise together. Last but not least, I want to thank all of my fans for their love and support throughout my international career. You have made me who I am today. I'm excited to continue this journey with you in the many leagues all across the world," Lizelle said.
We must say goodbye to a legendary figure in South African cricket at such a young age, but we completely appreciate the person's choice and her wish to move on to the next phase of her playing career.
"With her bat, Lizelle helped South Africa leap to second place in the ICC ODI Rankings in 2021, earning her the title of ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year. Lizelle has provided this country with countless memorable moments on the playing field, most notably in 2021. From this point on, we wish her and her little family nothing but the best "Enoch Nkwe, the director of cricket, remarked.