Warren Lees was the successor to Ken Wardsworth after the latter tragically passed away due to skin cancer at the age of 29 in 1975. By then, young Lees had already gained enough experience in the First-class circuit for Otago. Like his predecessor, Lees was also a fighting batsman but not someone who could dominate an attack. Nevertheless, he made valuable contributions and was mighty effective behind the stumps. As a result, New Zealand weren't made to feel the void in wicket-keeping after Wardsworth's sudden demise. Despite being quite good at all that he did on the field, Lees was dropped in favor of Jock Edwards who was never as competent in terms of glovework. Quality couldn't be denied for long and Lees eventually came back into the side for the 1983 World Cup. However, it was a time when Ian Smith was soaring up the ranks and eventually, Lees had to make way. After his cricketing career, he coached New Zealand in the early 1990s.

Written by Hariprasad Sadanandan