Source: Radio New Zealand
Wellington Blaze captain Amelia Kerr. Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
Amelia Kerr has officially been confirmed as White Ferns captain.
Kerr takes over in all formats from fellow Wellingtonian Sophie Devine who stepped down as captain following the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in October.
The 25-year-old, who has represented the White Ferns in 172 internationals, will take on the permanent leadership mantle of both the ODI and T20I sides, having previously led the side in two ODIs and two T20Is.
Her first official outing in the position will be in the T20 and ODI series against Zimbabwe later this month.
“Growing up it was my childhood dream to represent New Zealand and to now have the opportunity to captain my country is a massive privilege,” Kerr said.
“I am following an exceptional group of leaders who have captained the White Ferns before me, so I don’t take the responsibility lightly.
“The captaincy doesn’t change who I am, I am still the same person and will give everything I can to lead this group and hopefully bring our country success.”
Since making her international debut in 2016 at the age of just 16, Kerr has gone on to score 3757 runs and take 201 wickets across both formats and is already the White Ferns’ third all-time leading wicket-taker and fifth all-time leading run-scorer.
Kerr said her leadership philosophy was centred around putting people first.
“One of my favourite quotes is: ‘He aha te mea nui o te ao? He Tāngata, He Tāngata, He Tāngata.
“We are people first. As a group we look out for each other, we celebrate each other’s success and we represent our people.
“Encouraging others and building belief around us so we can all be the best we can be both as people and as cricketers.”
Amelia Kerr at a glance
WHITE FERN #188
- Youngest player to ever debut for the White Ferns (16 years and 27 days)
- Highest ever individual ODI score for the White Ferns (232* v Ireland 2018)
- Only New Zealand player ever to win the ICC World Player of the Year (Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy)
- 2022 Commonwealth Games Bronze medal winner
- 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winner
- 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament
- 3x winner of the NZC Debbie Hockley Medal
- White Ferns third all-time leading wicket-taker (201 wickets)
- White Ferns fifth all-time leading run scorer (3757 runs)
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
