I think at World Cups, playing India is always a great challenge: Amelia Kerr

Amelia Kerr. (Photo Source: MARCO LONGARI/AFP via Getty Images)

The prolific New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr revealed that her favorite opponent to face in ICC events is India and not Australia. The 23-year-old went wicketless in her first game in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup against India in 2017.

However, she starred in New Zealand’s subsequent win in the 2022 edition, scoring a half-century and finishing with figures of 3/56. Kerr noted that India always receive a good amount of support, irrespective of where they play. Furthermore, the New Zealander also mentioned that playing spin well is a great challenge against the Women in Blue, especially in the sub-continent.

“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,” Kerr was quoted as saying by ICC 100% Cricket Superstars.

“The ability to play spin well, especially in sub-continent conditions, I think that’s a great challenge. And they’ve got some world-class, so I think for me that’s a key match-up and playing them is always a challenge,” she added.

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Wickets that mean the most is when they’re game-changing: Kerr

During the clash between India and New Zealand in the 2022 World Cup, Amelia Kerr deceived the legendary batter Mithali Raj in the air and got her stumped out. The Wellington-born said that picking up big wickets like these gives her a great amount of joy on the cricket field.

“My favorite wicket is when they haven’t picked you. You beat someone through the gate. And I guess probably the wickets that mean the most is 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 explained.

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From starting as a bowling all-rounder, Kerr has become one of New Zealand’s most prolific run-getters in the top order. At just 17 years old, her coach entrusted her with the opening role, where she made history by scoring an unbeaten 232 against Ireland, the highest-ever score in Women’s ODIs. She calls this game a turning point in her career.

“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,” Kerr concluded.