South Africa's Lizelle Lee named as a replacement for Harmanpreet Kaur

South African Women’s cricketer Lizelle Lee is all set to feature for the Surrey Stars in the upcoming edition of the Super League. The 25-year-old batter will be replacing Indian all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur, who has been ruled out of the competition owing to an injury. Kaur suffered a shoulder injury in the recently concluded World Cup and won’t be able to be fit in time for the tournament.

The Super League, also known as the Women’s Cricket Super League, is the domestic T20 equivalent featuring women cricketers, held in England and Wales. The inaugural season which was held last year comprised of six teams- Lancashire Thunder, Loughborough Lightning, Southern Vipers, Surrey Stars, Western Storm and Yorkshire Diamonds, fighting it out for the coveted title. The final of the flagship event saw the Southern Vipers defeat Western Storm to clinch the trophy.

Dynamic and aggressive opener

Speaking about Lee’s addition, Surrey head coach Richard Bedbrook said, “It’s really exciting to be welcoming such a dynamic and aggressive opener to our squad.

“Although it’s sad that Harmanpreet will be unable to join up with us, to be able to replace her with a player of undoubted International class at such short notice is very pleasing indeed and we’re all excited to see Lizelle lining up in a Surrey shirt,” he further added.

Lee showcased some incredible batting performances in the Women’s World Cup. The opener hit 269 runs at an impressive average of 44.83. Her 92 from 65 balls was vital to South Africa’s group stage victory over India and she also contributed 72 against England, as the eventual winners were given a scare despite posting a giant 373/5.

Lee will be joining her national teammate Marizanne Kapp – who was named alongside Beaumont, Hartley, and Sciver in the team of the tournament. The Stars’ are scheduled to play their first game against the Yorkshire Diamonds at the Kia Oval on Sunday, August 13.