New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr always had cricket in her blood, coming from a family of cricketers. However, it was the heartbreak of New Zealand’s loss to Australia in the 2010 T20 World Cup final that ignited her passion to don the White Ferns jersey and win an ICC trophy for her country. Fourteen years later, she fulfilled that dream by playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Her outstanding performances also earned her the prestigious ICC Women’s Player of the Year award, making her the first New Zealander to achieve this honor.
A Childhood Dream Inspired by the White Ferns
Kerr’s journey in cricket began at a young age. She recalls captaining her Tawa College boys’ team to victory in a Wellington tournament when she was just 11 or 12 years old, being the only girl in the squad. Watching the White Ferns play on television further fueled her ambition to represent New Zealand.
“The 2010 T20 World Cup final loss stayed with me, and from that moment, I wanted to be a White Fern and do whatever I could to help my team win an ICC trophy,” Kerr shared in an exclusive interview facilitated by the ICC.
Star Performer in New Zealand’s Maiden T20 World Cup Win
In the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup final against South Africa, Kerr delivered a match-winning performance, scoring 43 off 38 balls and taking 3/24. Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award as New Zealand clinched their first-ever women’s T20 World Cup title.
“It’s an incredible feeling. As players, we don’t think much about awards, but looking back, the T20 World Cup win stands out—it was truly special,” said Kerr, who finished the tournament as the highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps, setting a new record for the most wickets in a single edition of the event.
Cricket with Boys Helped Shape Her Game
Growing up in a family of sportspersons, Kerr developed her skills by playing with boys, which she believes played a crucial role in her development.
“As a child, I loved playing all sports, not just cricket. I always wanted to be the best, and playing against boys helped me sharpen my skills,” said the leg-spinning all-rounder, who amassed 387 runs and took 29 wickets in 18 T20 matches in 2024.
Staying Composed in Pressure Situations
Kerr credits her calm demeanor under pressure to her upbringing. She recalled a piece of advice from her father that shaped her approach to the game:
“My dad once told me that whether I score a hundred or get out for a golden duck, my reaction should remain the same when I walk off the field. That mindset has helped me a lot in handling tough situations.”
A Cricketing Legacy and Role Models Within the Family
Born into a cricketing family, Kerr’s father, Robbie, and mother, Jo, both played for Wellington, while her maternal grandfather, Bruce Murray, was a former New Zealand Test cricketer. Her elder sister, Jess Kerr, was also named in the White Ferns squad for their series against South Africa in 2020.
“My biggest role models are within my family. They have always been supportive and taught me to embrace the ups and downs of the game,” she said.
Inspiring the Next Generation of New Zealand Cricketers
Kerr hopes that her success and recognition will inspire young athletes in New Zealand to consider cricket as a viable career option.
“I want to encourage young girls in our small country to take up cricket. It’s an amazing sport, and I hope our World Cup win inspires the next generation.”
No Major Changes in Her Game, Just Constant Improvement
Despite her stellar performances, Kerr believes her game hasn’t changed much, but she continues to refine her skills.
“For me, nothing has drastically changed, but I am always looking to improve. In bowling, I’ve been working on my accuracy and varying my pace. In batting, I’m focusing on increasing my power and finding new ways to score boundaries,” she explained.
Advocating for Mental Health in Sports
A strong advocate for mental health, Kerr believes it is essential for athletes to prioritize their well-being. She took a seven-month break from cricket in 2021 to focus on her mental health but acknowledges that every individual’s journey is different.
“It’s crucial to take care of yourself. You never know what someone else is going through. It’s important to be patient, kind, and remember that we are human beings first,” she emphasized.
While Kerr found cricket to be her “safe space,” she acknowledges that for others, taking a break might be necessary.
“Some players feel happiest when they are playing, while others may need to step back. It’s a personal choice, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” she concluded.
From a young girl inspired by a painful defeat to a World Cup-winning star, Amelia Kerr’s journey embodies resilience, passion, and determination. As she continues to evolve as a player, she remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
