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Alex Lees
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Alexander Zak Lees (born 14 April 1993), popularly known as Alex Lees, is an English professional cricketer who plays internationally for the England Test cricket team. In domestic cricket, he represents Durham, captaining the List A and T20 teams.
Key Information
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He previously played for Yorkshire. Lees made his Test debut in 2022, and plays as a left-handed opening batsman.[1]
Early life
[edit]Alex Lees was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, where he attended Holy Trinity Senior School. His introduction to cricket was with Bradshaw Cricket Club in the Halifax Cricket League, quickly moving from the junior ranks into senior cricket before he was a teenager. Lees left Bradshaw and move to Illingworth at the age of 13. He was attached to Yorkshire from 2006, starting at under 11 level. He played for and captained the Yorkshire Academy in the Yorkshire ECB County Premier League, and the Yorkshire Second XI in the Second XI Championship, before progressing to the first team. He made his debut in first-class cricket against India A in June 2010, scoring 38 runs. In April 2013, Lees made his maiden first-class century in his third first-class match, when scoring 121 against Leeds/Bradford MCC Universities at Headingley.[2]
Cricket career
[edit]He was part of the England player development XI in both 2010 and 2011. In September 2011, Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced that Lees had been awarded a junior-pro contract.[3] He was given plaudits from the former England opener Geoffrey Boycott, who stated that "I think he's very good ... I like the whole package with him".[4]
Lees played his first match against an England first-class county side in April 2013, when he appeared for Yorkshire against Sussex, and scored a century in his third County Championship match with 100 against Middlesex at Lord's.[5] In July, he played only the 50th innings of over 250 runs for Yorkshire, scoring 275 not out in the first innings of the match against Derbyshire at Queen's Park, Chesterfield.[6] His innings was the third-highest score at the ground[4] and also made him the youngest Yorkshire player to score a double hundred.[7]
In August 2013, Lees was selected to play for England Lions in a two-day friendly match against the Australians at Northampton, opening the batting and scoring 33 runs. He then travelled to Australia with the England Performance Squad, though he did not pass fifty.[8] He also played for the Lions against Sri Lanka A Emerging Players in February 2014, scoring a century in the first match.[9][10]
During the 2014 and 2015 seasons Lees formed a strong opening partnership with Adam Lyth, helping Yorkshire win the County Championship in both years.
In 2016 he became Yorkshire's captain in both one-day formats - at 22, the youngest to hold the office, remarkably, since Lord Hawke.
In September 2014, Lees was named the Cricket Writers' Club Young Cricketer of the Year.[11] On 13 August 2018, Lees signed for Durham on loan until the end of the 2018 season before signing a three-year contract at the end of the season.[12]
In February 2022, Lees was named in England's Test squad for their series against the West Indies.[13] He made his Test debut on 8 March 2022, for England against the West Indies.[14]
In April 2022, in the opening round of matches in the 2022 County Championship, Lees carried his bat against Glamorgan, scoring an unbeaten 182 runs.[15]
In July 2023 he made his best score for Durham County Cricket Club to date with scoring 195 against Gloucestershire.[16][17]
Lees was named Durham club captain in December 2024 after signing a new three-year contract.[18][19]
References
[edit]- ^ "Alex Lees profile and biography, stats, records, averages, photos and videos".
- ^ "Tea: Yorkshire v Leeds MCCU (Day 3)". Yorkshireccc.com. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
- ^ "Yorkshire Secure Young Talent". Yorkshireccc.com. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
- ^ a b Hardcastle, Graham (18 July 2013). "Boycott prophecy fulfilled on Lees". ESPN CricInfo. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
- ^ "Middlesex v Yorkshire at Lord's, Jun 11–14, 2013 | Cricket Scorecard". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
- ^ "Derbyshire v Yorkshire at Chesterfield, Jul 17–19, 2013 | Cricket Scorecard". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
- ^ "Player Profile: Alex Lees". ESPN CricInfo. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
- ^ "Western Australia Second XI v England Performance Programme". ESPN CricInfo. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
- ^ "Sri Lanka A Emerging Players v England Lions". ESPN CricInfo. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
- ^ Winter, Alex (13 February 2014). "Woakes puts Lions in firm control". ESPN CricInfo. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
- ^ "BBC Sport - Yorkshire: Adam Lyth and Alex Lees win Cricket Writers' awards". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
- ^ "Alex Lees: Durham sign Yorkshire opening batsman". BBC Sport. 13 August 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ "James Anderson, Stuart Broad dropped from England Test squad for West Indies". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ "1st Test, North Sound, Mar 8 - 12 2022, England tour of West Indies". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
- ^ "Alex Lees carries bat but Durham unable to force victory over Glamorgan". The Cricketer. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "County Championship: Alex Lees makes 195 as Durham lead Gloucestershire". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
- ^ "Durham wrap up a nine wicket victory over Gloucestershire to go 54 points clear in the County Championship". Durham County Cricket Club. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
- ^ "Lees to become Durham captain across all formats". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
- ^ "Alex Lees named Men's Club Captain, signing three-year deal". Durham County Cricket Club. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
External links
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Alex Lees
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Early life
Childhood and family
Alexander Zak Lees was born on 14 April 1993 in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England.[1] Growing up in Halifax, an area renowned for its deep-rooted cricketing tradition, Lees was immersed in a local culture that fostered the sport from an early age.[6] Lees attended Holy Trinity Senior School in Halifax, where he balanced academics with his burgeoning interest in cricket.[13] His early involvement in the game was shaped by family influences, particularly his father, Simon Lees, a former all-rounder who played for Bradshaw Cricket Club in the Halifax League and introduced Lees to the sport when he was just four years old. Simon Lees died of cancer in 2011. Lees has a brother named Tom.[14][15] Lees began his playing career at Bradshaw Cricket Club, honing his skills in local matches amid the competitive amateur scene.[16] At the age of 13, Lees transitioned to Illingworth St Mary's Cricket Club, continuing his development in the Halifax leagues.[17] In 2006, the same year, he joined Yorkshire County Cricket Club's youth system, marking the start of his structured pathway in representative cricket.Introduction to cricket
Alex Lees' introduction to competitive cricket began in the junior sections of the Halifax Cricket League, where he played for Bradshaw Cricket Club from the age of four until 13, influenced by his father, a prominent all-rounder at the club.[14][17] At Bradshaw, Lees honed his skills in local age-group matches, building a strong foundation as a left-handed opening batsman. In 2006, at age 13, he transitioned to Illingworth St Mary's Cricket Club, continuing his club cricket development while gaining exposure to more competitive environments in the Halifax League.[17][18] Lees joined Yorkshire County Cricket Club's pathway system in 2006, initially representing the county at Under-13 level, where he quickly established himself as a promising talent.[1] His progression through the academy was marked by consistent performances in age-group competitions, including selections for Yorkshire's Under-14s in the Under-14 County Cup in 2007 and further advancement to Under-15 and Under-17 squads.[19] By 2009, Lees was a key member of the Yorkshire Academy, captaining the side in the Yorkshire ECB County Premier League and demonstrating leadership alongside his batting prowess.[1][20] Lees made his first senior appearances for Yorkshire's Second XI in 2010, captaining the team in subsequent seasons and accumulating valuable experience against professional opposition.[1][19] These outings, combined with his academy success, positioned him as a standout prospect; key milestones included regional squad selections and strong showings in youth festivals, culminating in his readiness for first-class cricket by 2010.[21]Domestic career
Yorkshire career
Alex Lees made his first-class debut for Yorkshire at the age of 17 against India A at Headingley in June 2010, where he scored 38 runs in the first innings during Yorkshire's total of 210 all out.[22] This appearance marked the beginning of his professional career with his home county, following progression through their youth and Academy systems. Lees achieved his maiden first-class century in only his third County Championship match, scoring an unbeaten 100 against Middlesex at Lord's in June 2013, helping Yorkshire reach 215 for 2 on a rain-affected opening day.[23] This innings, compiled off 221 balls, showcased his emerging solidity as an opener and contributed to Yorkshire's strong position in the contest. Lees rose to prominence during the mid-2010s, forming a prolific opening partnership with Adam Lyth that underpinned Yorkshire's success.[14] In December 2015, at the age of 22, he was appointed as Yorkshire's youngest-ever one-day captain for the 2016 season, succeeding Andrew Gale and leading the Vikings in limited-overs formats.[24] Under his captaincy, Lees topped Yorkshire's run charts with 1,165 runs across all formats in 2016, including notable performances against rivals like Durham.[1] The 2014 season stood out as a breakthrough year for Lees, where he scored 971 runs at an average of 44.14 in the County Championship, playing a key role in Yorkshire's title-winning campaign.[14] His contributions earned him the Cricket Writers' Club Young Cricketer of the Year award, as well as the Professional Cricketers' Association Young Player of the Year honor, recognizing his impact as a 21-year-old opener.[25] Over his time with Yorkshire from 2010 to 2018, Lees established himself as a mainstay in the side, amassing impressive aggregates across formats. In first-class cricket, he played 89 matches, scoring 4,835 runs at an average of 34.53, including 12 centuries and 22 fifties.[26] In List A cricket, he featured in 46 matches, aggregating 1,172 runs at 31.78, with one century and six half-centuries.[26] In T20 cricket, Lees appeared in 56 matches, scoring 1,350 runs at 26.47, highlighted by nine fifties.[26]| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-class | 89 | 152 | 4,835 | 34.53 | 12 | 22 |
| List A | 46 | 42 | 1,172 | 31.78 | 1 | 6 |
| T20 | 56 | 55 | 1,350 | 26.47 | 0 | 9 |
Durham career
After a successful loan spell with Durham in 2018, Alex Lees joined the club on a three-year contract starting in 2019, marking his permanent transition from Yorkshire as an opening batsman.[8][27] Lees enjoyed a standout 2023 season in the County Championship Division Two, where he topped the run-scoring charts with 1,347 runs at an average of 70.89, including five centuries, the highest of which was an unbeaten 195 against Gloucestershire—his best first-class score for Durham.[28][29] His performances were instrumental in Durham securing promotion to Division One that year, as the team clinched the title.[30] In the 2025 Vitality Blast, Lees delivered a strong showing with 231 runs across seven innings at an average of around 58, highlighted by his maiden T20 century of 101 not out against Northamptonshire, which helped secure a home quarter-final spot.[31][32] As of December 2024, across his Durham career, Lees had amassed over 8,000 runs in all formats, including 21 centuries, with notable consistency as the team's mainstay opener.[33] In first-class cricket, he had scored more than 4,000 runs at an average exceeding 40, featuring 15 centuries; in List A, over 1,500 runs with an average around 45 and five centuries; and in T20s, approximately 2,500 runs at a strike rate near 130, with one century.[33][5] His top-order stability has been crucial to Durham's competitive edge, including reaching T20 Blast quarter-finals in 2024 and maintaining Division One status post-promotion.[5] In December 2024, Lees signed a three-year contract extension, committing to Durham until at least the end of 2027 and underscoring his long-term role in the club's ambitions.[33]International career
Test selection and debut
Alex Lees earned selection for England's Test squad for the 2021–22 tour of the West Indies due to his strong domestic form in the 2021 County Championship, where he amassed 625 runs at an average of 39.06 in 11 matches, including one century, for Durham.[34] This consistent performance as an opener addressed England's top-order instability following their 4–0 Ashes defeat in Australia, prompting selectors to refresh the batting lineup with experienced county performers.[35] Lees, who had captained the England Lions in Australia earlier that year, was named in the 17-man squad on 8 February 2022, marking his first senior international call-up. Lees made his Test debut on 8 March 2022 in the first match against the West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, opening the batting alongside Zak Crawley.[36] In his debut innings, he scored 4 before being dismissed lbw by Kemar Roach, and in the second innings, he made 6.[36] Across the three-match series, Lees recorded scores of 30 and 24 in the second Test at Bridgetown, and 31 and 31 in the third at St George's, demonstrating resilience by facing 460 balls in total despite totaling 126 runs at an average of 21.[37] His steady, defensive approach provided a solid foundation early in the order, though it drew mixed reviews for lacking flair.[38] The selection of Lees reflected an aggressive push for renewal under captain Joe Root, which transitioned into the incoming "Bazball" era following Brendon McCullum's appointment as head coach and Ben Stokes' elevation to captain in May 2022, emphasizing bold tactical choices to revitalize the team.Test performances and challenges
Alex Lees represented England in 10 Test matches between March and September 2022, accumulating 453 runs at an average of 23.84, with a highest score of 67 and two half-centuries.[37] His international career began with the tour of the West Indies, where he debuted in the first Test at North Sound on 8 March 2022, but faced immediate challenges, scoring 126 runs across three matches at an average of 21.00 and a strike rate of 27.39 during England's 1-0 series defeat.[1] Despite the modest returns, Lees showed resilience, with notable contributions including 31 in the third Test at St. George's, helping to stabilize the innings on a difficult pitch. Returning home, Lees' form improved during the New Zealand series in June 2022, where he played a pivotal role in England's 3-0 series victory. In the second Test at Trent Bridge, he scored his maiden Test half-century of 67 in the first innings. In the second innings, he contributed 44 as part of the thrilling chase of 299 that secured the victory, partnering with Ollie Pope's 137.[39] Earlier in the series opener at Lord's, he made 25 and 20, providing solid starts amid England's transitional phase under new captain Ben Stokes. The one-off Test against the Netherlands at Lord's followed in late June, where Lees managed 8 and 14 as England dominated with an innings victory, though his scores reflected ongoing adaptation struggles on seaming conditions. The South Africa series in August-September 2022 marked a downturn, with Lees scoring 88 runs in five innings at an average of 17.60, including 39 in the second innings of the final Test at The Oval.[37] England won the series 2-1, but Lees' inconsistent outputs, particularly low scores of 5, 35, and 4 across his three completed innings in the first two Tests, highlighted mounting pressures during the home summer, which included preparations for the upcoming Ashes defense in 2023.[40][41] His final appearance came on 8 September 2022, after which he was omitted from the squad for the Pakistan tour.[42] Throughout his brief Test tenure, Lees grappled with inconsistent form and the demands of adapting to England's aggressive "Bazball" approach under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, which emphasized higher strike rates and positive intent—contrasting his more measured style. Competition for the opening position intensified with the emergence of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope's versatility, contributing to his axing despite the team's six wins in seven home Tests during his stint.[43] In post-career reflections, Lees described the experience as "bittersweet," acknowledging the disappointment of failing to capitalize on promising positions but expressing determination to reinvent himself without overhauling his game. He noted the need to "stay in his lane" and focus on consistency at Durham to mount a comeback, emphasizing a "Yorkshire stubbornness" in retaining his core technique.[42][43]Leadership roles
Early captaincy at Yorkshire
In December 2015, at the age of 22, Alex Lees was appointed as Yorkshire's youngest-ever full-time limited-overs captain for the 2016 season, succeeding Andrew Gale in List A and T20 competitions. This role positioned him as an emerging tactician, responsible for leading the Yorkshire Vikings in the Royal London One-Day Cup and NatWest T20 Blast.[44][24][45] Lees' captaincy in 2016 emphasized a balanced approach, combining instinctive decision-making with input from experienced teammates, notably Kane Williamson, who provided guidance on T20 strategies such as field placements and bowling changes. Under his leadership, Yorkshire advanced to the quarter-finals of both the Royal London One-Day Cup—where they secured notable victories like a 191-run win over Leicestershire—and the NatWest T20 Blast, though they exited in the knockout stages. The role invigorated Lees personally, as he topped Yorkshire's run-scoring charts with 1,165 runs across formats, enhancing his confidence amid early challenges, including a suspended two-match ban for post-match comments after a T20 defeat.[46][47][1][48] Lees retained the captaincy through 2017 and 2018, fostering team cohesion during mixed results. In 2017, Yorkshire reached the Royal London One-Day Cup quarter-finals but lost to Surrey by 24 runs, while their T20 Blast campaign yielded only moderate success with a fifth-place North Group finish and limited playoff contention. By 2018, the team showed improvement in the Royal London One-Day Cup, progressing to the semi-finals with high-scoring wins such as a 16-run victory over Lancashire in a 742-run thriller, though T20 efforts again fell short of deep advancement. These years contributed to Lees' growth as a leader, teaching him to manage off-field responsibilities alongside on-pitch tactics, which bolstered his reputation as a promising young captain and drew early England selectors' attention for Lions opportunities.[49][50][51][1][52]Captaincy at Durham
Alex Lees was appointed as Durham's white-ball captain ahead of the 2023 season, taking charge of the team's T20 Blast and One-Day Cup campaigns.[53] This role built on his prior leadership experience at Yorkshire, where he had captained the white-ball sides in 2016. Under his guidance in 2023 and 2024, Durham showed improvement in limited-overs cricket, notably reaching the T20 Blast quarter-finals in 2024 for the first time since 2018, with Lees contributing key unbeaten innings of 71 and 72 to secure vital wins.[33][5] In December 2024, Lees was elevated to full Men's Club Captain across all formats, succeeding Scott Borthwick, who transitioned to a player-coach role, while signing a three-year contract extension until 2027.[33][4] This appointment recognized his dedication and passion since joining Durham in 2018, positioning him to lead the red-ball side in the County Championship alongside his white-ball duties. Lees expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating it was "a privilege and an honour" and an opportunity to focus on enhancing the red-ball team by building on recent foundations.[4] Lees' leadership style emphasizes player development, fostering a positive team culture, and maximizing squad potential to challenge for trophies. Head coach Marcus North praised Lees' "dedication, passion and ambitions for the Club," highlighting his tenacious approach to nurturing talent within a group he believes has significant quality. In practice, this involved strategic continuity and leveraging experienced players to support emerging ones, particularly in addressing the challenges of competing in Division One of the County Championship after Durham's promotion in 2024.[33][4] During the 2025 season, Lees guided Durham to the T20 Blast quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Hampshire, continuing the progress in white-ball formats. In the One-Day Cup, the team recorded competitive performances, with Lees himself earning selection to the PCA Men's Team of the Year for his contributions. However, in the County Championship, Durham finished ninth in Division One with 144 points from two wins, six losses, and six draws, ultimately suffering relegation after an innings defeat to Yorkshire in September. Despite the setback, Lees' captaincy maintained squad cohesion amid a demanding schedule, setting the stage for a promotion push from Division Two in 2026.[54][55][56][57][58]Playing style and achievements
Batting technique
Alex Lees is a left-handed opening batsman known for his solid defensive technique, which allows him to anchor innings and build substantial scores over extended periods. His compact setup and strong bottom-hand grip enable him to play with a straight bat, effectively leaving wide deliveries and defending the stumps against seam movement, as demonstrated in his ability to survive long spells early in innings. Additionally, Lees possesses a secondary skill as an occasional legbreak bowler, using it sparingly to vary his contributions in longer formats.[59][1] Throughout his career, Lees has adapted his approach from a more traditional, defensive style to the aggressive "Bazball" philosophy introduced under England coaches Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, emphasizing positive intent and quicker scoring rates in Test cricket. This evolution involved reverting to a more attacking mindset, including stepping out of his crease to counter both pace and spin, such as employing uppercuts against fast bowlers and reverse sweeps against spinners. In limited-overs cricket, particularly T20, he has shown marked improvements in strike rate, exemplified by his maiden T20 century in the 2025 Vitality Blast achieved at a high scoring pace, reflecting his growing versatility as an opener.[60][32] Lees' strengths lie in his proficiency against both pace and spin bowling, where his improved footwork and shot selection allow him to rotate the strike and accelerate when set. However, he has occasionally struggled with short-pitched deliveries, particularly in his early international exposure, where lateral movement exposed limitations in his back-foot play and judgment outside off stump. These aspects have been addressed through targeted training, influenced by youth inspirations like Marcus Trescothick and Matthew Hayden, as well as guidance from McCullum to foster a bolder, more instinctive style.[60][61] His technique has evolved from an orthodox, aggressive youth approach—characterized by expansive drives—to a more measured county-level solidity, and ultimately to a balanced, format-specific versatility that suits first-class endurance, List A accumulation, and T20 explosiveness. This progression highlights his adaptability, honed through coaching emphases on mental resilience and technical refinement to handle varying conditions.[60]Career records and honors
Alex Lees has established a solid record in first-class cricket, amassing significant runs as an opener for Yorkshire and Durham. As of September 2025, in 192 first-class matches, he has scored 11,926 runs at an average of 38.72, including 32 centuries and a highest score of 275 not out.[1] In List A cricket, across 85 matches, Lees has accumulated 3,165 runs at an average of 43.35, with 8 centuries and a top score of 148.[1] His T20 career includes 105 matches, yielding 2,585 runs at an average of 29.04, with a highest score of 101 not out.[1] In Test cricket, Lees has played 10 matches for England, scoring 453 runs at an average of 23.84, with a best of 67.[1]| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-class | 192 | 11,926 | 38.72 | 32 | 275* |
| List A | 85 | 3,165 | 43.35 | 8 | 148 |
| T20 | 105 | 2,585 | 29.04 | 1 | 101* |
| Test | 10 | 453 | 23.84 | 0 | 67 |