The WHITE FERNS believe 16-year-old leg spinner Amelia Kerr could be their secret weapon at the ICC Women’s World Cup in England.
With just a handful of international matches under her belt since debuting in November last year, Kerr enters the tournament as New Zealand's youngest ever; and as a relatively unknown quantity.
That lack of experience at the highest level could be her greatest asset according to her Wellington domestic coach and WHITE FERNS assistant Matt Bell.
"She could definitely surprise a few teams and batters,” he said.
“We’re really excited about the prospect of her putting in some match-winning performances for the WHITE FERNS in this tournament."
Kerr's showed plenty of promise in her appearances for the WHITE FERNS so far, taking ten ODI wickets at an average of 22.90.
While her Tawa College school mates swat for mid-year exams, Kerr will be testing herself against the world's best on cricket's biggest stage.
“I’m trying to soak it all up and am not really feeling to nervous yet,” the laid-back teenager said.
“I’m just focussing on doing the simple things and knowing my game-plan. I guess I’ve always been quite cruisey.”
Bell believes Kerr’s mentality has been a key reason as to why she’s been able to excel so fast so early.
"She’s just going to lap it up. She's a cool customer, she's got a good head on her shoulders and is well beyond her years.
"She doesn't really get fazed in terms of the pressure. She looks to go and do her business which is bowl good leg-spin and help out in the field - and she's useful with the bat too."
Bell added that the team were trying to promote the nickname 'AK-48 for Kerr going forward.
Being the baby on the team is nothing new for Kerr, who debuted for the Blaze in the New Zealand women’s domestic competition as a 14-year-old.
"Playing women’s senior cricket when I was young means I’m a bit more used to playing against and being around older players.
“I’ve also been lucky enough to play in boys cricket at home which has been a good challenge.
“It’s a big privilege to be able to represent your country and your family and friends."
16 years and 252 days is how old Amelia Kerr will be when the WHITE FERNS open their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on Saturday - what were you doing at that age?
