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Born on 14th April 1993, Alex Lees is a name that resonates with cricket enthusiasts, especially those who follow English cricket closely. Hailing from Halifax, West Yorkshire, Lees has carved a niche for himself in the world of cricket, not just as a proficient batsman but also as a leader. As of 2023, he plays internationally for the England Test cricket team and has been an integral part of the domestic cricket scene, representing teams like Yorkshire and Durham. His journey from a young cricket enthusiast to an international cricketer is nothing short of inspiring.
Alex Lees' tryst with cricket began in the picturesque town of Halifax, West Yorkshire. He attended Holy Trinity Senior School, but it was at the Bradshaw Cricket Club in the Halifax Cricket League where his passion for the sport truly ignited. Even as a young boy, Lees' talent was evident. He swiftly transitioned from junior ranks to senior cricket, all before he even entered his teenage years.
At the tender age of 13, Lees made a significant move from Bradshaw to Illingworth. His association with Yorkshire began in 2006, starting at the under 11 level. This association was to play a pivotal role in shaping his cricketing career. Lees not only played for but also captained the Yorkshire Academy in the Yorkshire ECB County Premier League. His leadership qualities and cricketing prowess were evident even at this young age. Furthermore, he represented the Yorkshire Second XI in the Second XI Championship, showcasing his readiness for bigger challenges.
The year 2010 marked a significant milestone in Lees' career. In June of that year, he made his debut in first-class cricket against India A, scoring a commendable 38 runs. But it was in April 2013 that Lees truly announced his arrival on the big stage. In just his third first-class match, he scored a maiden first-class century, amassing 121 runs against Leeds/Bradford MCC Universities at the iconic Headingley.
Lees' early career was not just about individual milestones. He was part of the England player development XI in both 2010 and 2011. Recognising his potential, Yorkshire County Cricket Club awarded him a junior-pro contract in September 2011. This was a testament to his talent and the promise he showed as a young cricketer.
One cannot talk about Alex Lees without mentioning the accolades he received from cricketing legends. The former England opener, Geoffrey Boycott, was all praise for the young batsman, stating his admiration for Lees' overall cricketing package.
Alex Lees' rise in county cricket is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the game. His journey in the county circuit began with Yorkshire, a team he represented from the U-13 level. As he progressed through the ranks, he showcased his potential as both a batsman and a leader. By 2016, at the age of 22, he became Yorkshire's captain in both one-day formats, making him the youngest to hold the office since the legendary Lord Hawke.
His leadership qualities were evident as he led Yorkshire to their second appearance in Twenty20 Finals Day. However, his tenure as captain was short-lived, lasting only a year. With the departure of coach Jason Gillespie and the arrival of Andrew Gale, the captaincy saw a shift. Despite this, Lees continued to be a vital cog in the Yorkshire setup.
His performances for Yorkshire were not just about leadership. He played a pivotal role in their back-to-back County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015. His opening partnership with Adam Lyth was often compared to the legendary duo of Percy Holmes and Herbert Sutcliffe, showcasing the impact they had at the top of the order.
Throughout his county career, Lees has had several standout performances. One of the most notable was when he became the youngest Yorkshire player to score a Championship double-century. At just 20 years and 95 days, he hit an unbeaten 275 against Derbyshire at Chesterfield. This was not just a personal milestone but also a record for the club.
In addition to his double-century, Lees made a maiden Championship hundred against Middlesex, further establishing his reputation as a top-order batsman. His contributions were not limited to the domestic circuit. He was selected for an England Lions tour to Sri Lanka in early 2014, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
His accolades also include winning both the PCA and CWC Young Player awards, reflecting the impact he had in the early stages of his career. In 2016, he was just 12 runs short of becoming the first batsman to score two hundreds in a first-class match at Headingley, further highlighting his prowess with the bat.
Like any professional athlete, Lees faced his fair share of challenges. After his initial success, there was a period where he struggled for form. The runs dried up, and there were questions about his place in the team. His spell as Yorkshire's captain was seen by many as a mistake, and the subsequent change in leadership added to the challenges.
However, true to his character, Lees did not let these setbacks define him. Recognising the need for a fresh start, he moved from Yorkshire to Durham in August 2018. This move proved to be a turning point. At Durham, he found his form again, scoring three hundreds in his first full season and leading the way for his new side in the Championship.
His move to Durham was not just about personal milestones. It was about rediscovering his love for the game and proving his doubters wrong. The repetitive manner of his dismissals that had become a point of frustration at Yorkshire was no longer an issue. Durham believed in his potential, and Lees repaid their faith with performances that suggested he could still make a mark on the international stage.
Alex Lees' journey in county cricket is a tale of highs and lows, successes and challenges. But through it all, his passion for the game and his determination to succeed have never wavered. Whether representing Yorkshire or Durham, he has always given his all, and his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers everywhere.
Alex Lees continues to be a prominent figure in the cricketing realm. Representing the England Test cricket team, he has made significant contributions to the squad since his debut in 2022. His international journey began against the West Indies on 8 March 2022, and he has since played ten Test matches, amassing 453 runs with a top score of 67. While he is yet to score a century in the Test arena, his two half-centuries indicate his potential to play long innings.
In the domestic circuit, after his stint with Yorkshire from 2010 to 2018, Lees moved to Durham. Initially joining on loan in 2018, he later signed a three-year contract, cementing his place in the team. His performances for Durham have been noteworthy. In April 2022, during the opening round of the County Championship, Lees showcased his batting prowess by carrying his bat against Glamorgan, scoring an unbeaten 182 runs. By July 2023, he had further enhanced his reputation with a splendid knock of 195 runs, falling just short of a double century.
Lees' current status in the cricket world is that of a reliable and consistent performer. Whether it's for England or Durham, he has showcased his ability to anchor the innings and play pivotal roles. His left-handed batting style, combined with his experience, makes him a valuable asset to any team he represents.
Alex Lees' journey in the world of cricket is a tale of perseverance, dedication, and passion. From his early days in Halifax to representing England on the international stage, Lees has faced challenges, enjoyed successes, and made comebacks. His story serves as an inspiration for many budding cricketers, showcasing that with hard work and determination, one can achieve their dreams. As he continues to grace the cricketing fields, fans and enthusiasts can look forward to many more memorable performances from this talented cricketer.
FAQs
When did Alex Lees make his debut for the England Test cricket team?
Alex Lees made his Test debut for England on 8 March 2022 against the West Indies.
Which domestic teams has Alex Lees represented?
Alex Lees has represented Yorkshire from 2010 to 2018 and Durham from 2018 onwards.
What is Alex Lees' highest score in Test cricket?
Alex Lees' highest score in Test cricket is 67.
Has Alex Lees captained any domestic teams?
Yes, Alex Lees has captained the ListA and T20 teams for Durham.
When did Alex Lees achieve his highest score for Durham?
In July 2023, Alex Lees scored his best for Durham, amassing 195 runs.
