Alexander Zak Lees is a professional cricketer hailing from England. Born on February 6, 1993, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Lees burst onto the cricket scene as one of the most promising young players in the country. With his excellent batting skills and leadership qualities, he was predicted to achieve great success in his career.
Lees began his cricketing journey in his early teens, representing Yorkshire at the Under-13 level. He quickly rose through the ranks and captained the Yorkshire Academy and 2nd XI teams. At the age of 17, he made his first-class debut for Yorkshire and immediately caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts with his impressive performance.
In 2012, Lees faced a difficult decision when he turned down an opportunity to represent England Under-19s at the World Cup. Having recently lost his father, he prioritized his personal circumstances and chose to focus on his career at Yorkshire instead. It was a decision that showcased his maturity and dedication to the sport.
The following year, Lees signed full professional terms with Yorkshire and became the youngest player in the county’s history to score a Championship double-century. He achieved this remarkable feat at just 20 years and 95 days old, with an unbeaten knock of 275 against Derbyshire at Chesterfield. His exceptional batting skills continued to shine, and he recorded his maiden Championship hundred against Middlesex.
Lees’ performances for Yorkshire did not go unnoticed, and he earned his place in the England Lions squad for a tour to Sri Lanka in early 2014. On his debut for the Lions, he once again impressed by scoring a century, further cementing his reputation as a future international cricketer.
In 2014, Lees played a vital role in Yorkshire’s Championship triumph. Although he did not reach the 1000-run milestone, his stylish batting technique and consistent performances caught the attention of England selectors. He was awarded both the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) and Cricket Writers’ Club (CWC) Young Player awards, solidifying his status as one of the most promising young talents in English cricket.
The following year presented challenges for Lees, but he continued to showcase his resilience and determination. Despite the team’s success in securing back-to-back Championship titles, his personal performance was not as prolific as he had hoped. However, he found renewed motivation when entrusted with the limited-overs captaincy for Yorkshire. In 2016, Lees excelled in the shorter formats of the game and finished as the team’s highest run-scorer with 1165 runs.
In 2018, Lees made the difficult decision to leave Yorkshire and joined Durham on loan before securing a permanent move to the club. Durham believed that they had signed a player with immense potential and the ability to regain his international form. Lees did not disappoint, as he showcased his talent with three centuries in his first full season for Durham, leading the team’s charge in the Championship.
Lees finally received senior England recognition in 2022, almost a decade after being hailed as one of the best young players in the country. Although his Test career started modestly, he embraced the “Bazball” revolution that followed Brendon McCullum’s appointment as coach. Lees played a vital role in England’s successful run under McCullum’s leadership, including their record run chase of 378 against India, where he contributed a crisp 56 off 65 balls in a century opening stand.
Throughout his career, Lees has faced ups and downs but has consistently demonstrated his talent, grit, and determination. With his exceptional batting skills and proven leadership abilities, he continues to be an asset to his team and a player to watch in English cricket.
