Playing for the Proteas brings global attention and recognition, as evidenced by the latest announcement from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owner of the world-renowned Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, England, confirming its newest cohort of Honorary Life Members.
Among the distinguished list are three outstanding South African women cricketers: Dane van Niekerk, Shabnim Ismail, and Lizelle Lee. Their inclusion highlights their significant contributions to the sport and their remarkable careers in international cricket.
Dane van Niekerk, a celebrated all-rounder and former captain of the South African women’s cricket team, expressed her gratitude and excitement on social media. She tweeted:
Van Niekerk was the first Proteas woman to take 100 wickets in ODIs, has made over 4,000 runs and taken more than 200 wickets across all formats, leaving a lasting impact on the team through her leadership and skill.
Renowned for her blistering pace and fierce competitiveness, Shabnim Ismail has been a cornerstone of South African women’s cricket. With 317 wickets in 241 matches, she holds the record for South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in white-ball formats.
Ismail’s ability to consistently deliver fast and accurate bowling made her one of the most feared bowlers in the women’s game. Her career has been a testament to dedication, skill, and an unyielding passion for cricket.
Lizelle Lee, a powerful opening batter, has been a prolific run-scorer for South Africa. Named the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2022, Lee amassed over 3,300 runs in ODIs and 1,800 runs in T20Is.
Lee’s aggressive batting style and ability to dominate the bowlers made her a key player for the Proteas, and her performances at the top of the order provided a solid foundation for many of South Africa’s victories.
MCC Chief Executive & Secretary Guy Lavender expressed his delight at welcoming these new members: “The individuals announced today are some of the greatest international players in recent years, and we are honoured to welcome them as Members of our Club.”
In 2013, the Proteas Women received their first-ever professional contracts. Since then, the team has steadily grown in stature, thanks to the contributions of players like van Niekerk, Ismail, and Lee.
The inclusion of Ismail, Lee, and van Niekerk in this prestigious list not only celebrates their individual achievements but also highlights the growing influence and success of South African women’s cricket on the global stage. The MCC’s recognition of their contributions cements their legacy as icons of the sport.
Photo Caption: The announcement of distinguished South African women cricketers Dane van Niekerk, Shabnim Ismail, and Lizelle Lee as Life Members of the Marylebone Cricket Club highlights their significant contributions to the sport and their remarkable careers in international cricket. Image: Original images by MCC, composition by gsport
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
