New Zealand cricketer Amelia Kerr recently revealed that India, not Australia, is her favorite opponent in ICC tournaments.
“I think playing at World Cups, playing India is something I think that’s always a great challenge because wherever you are in the world, they get a crowd that is supporting them. And spin is key for them,” Amelia Kerr said, as quoted by ICC 100% Cricket Superstars.
Amelia Kerr, who went wicketless in her first game against India in the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, played a key role in New Zealand’s victory over India in the 2022 edition with a half-century and figures of 3/56. She highlighted the difficulty of playing spin against India, especially in subcontinent conditions.
“The ability to play spin well, especially in subcontinent conditions, I think that’s a great challenge,” the 23-year-old all-rounder noted. “And they’ve got some world-class spinners, so I think for me that’s a key match-up, and playing them is always a challenge,” she added.
Kerr recalled her performance in the 2022 match where she dismissed India’s star player Mithali Raj, outsmarting her with flight and getting her stumped. She cherishes such dismissals, particularly when they are game-changing moments against top players.
“My favorite wicket is when they haven’t picked you. You beat someone through the gate,” she explained. “And I guess probably the wickets that mean the most are when they’re game-changing, of one of the best players in the team, and you kind of make a breakthrough with something special,” she said.
Initially recognized as a bowling all-rounder, Kerr has since established herself as a key player in New Zealand’s batting lineup. At 17, she made history by scoring an unbeaten 232 against Ireland, the highest-ever score in Women’s ODIs. Reflecting on this achievement, she said:
“The coach told me that I was opening the batting, and I’d never opened the batting before. I was always in the lower order at that point, and I just wanted to make the most of the opportunity and do something special.”
In that record-breaking innings, Kerr hit 31 fours and two sixes, showcasing her preference for placement over power-hitting.
“The power game is probably not something I’m known for around the world. And, I mean, it’s nice when you’re batting with Sophie Devine, and you see her clearing the roof at the other end,” Kerr noted. “But for me, it’s about placement and timing,” she added.
Kerr also spoke fondly of playing alongside her sister, Jess Kerr, for New Zealand, describing it as an extraordinary experience.
“To represent your country with your sister is amazing. We always kind of share that moment when we sing the national anthem together. There’s something that’s really special for us,” she said.
She recalled one particularly memorable game against India in 2022, which held special significance for both sisters after being apart due to injuries and mental health challenges.
“One game that stands out a lot was after the series I came back from mental health, and we played India at home, and we chased down 280,” Amelia said. “And I was batting in the middle of Jess, and I got a hundred that day, and Jess hit the winning runs,” she added.
This moment was particularly special for the Kerr family, marking a triumphant return for Amelia after her mental health break and reuniting the sisters on the field.
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