One of 15 players named on Tuesday for the tournament starting in England and Wales at the end of next month, Kerr is set to become New Zealand’s youngest World Cup representative in the sport.
Amelia Kerr made her international debut for New Zealand against Pakistan on 9 November 2016. It is a continuation of a dream for the Wellington teenager, a talented leg-spinner also capable with the bat, who only made her White Ferns debut in November.
She has picked up 15 wickets in nine internationals (including 10 at an average of 22.9 and economy of 3.9 in seven ODIs) and has done more than enough to satisfy the selectors that she is capable of taking the next step.
The grand-daughter of former New Zealand batsman Bruce Murray, Kerr went wicketless in games one and three as the White Ferns went down 2-1 in the Rose Bowl series against world No 1 Australia. In game two, however, the young wrist-spinner sent a clear signal about her readiness for the top level. Kerr removed four of the Australian top six to finish with superb figures of 4-54, including the wicket of captain and top-ranked women’s ODI batter, Meg Lanning.
“We’ve had a lot of players put their hands up domestically, internationally and during our two recent camps – so the last few spots were particularly fiercely contested,” New Zealand coach Haidee Tiffin said.
“I’m really happy with the balance of the squad. I think it’s a strong team who are certainly capable of bringing that cup home. It’s really exciting to have Amelia in the squad and she’s proved herself more than ready for the big stage. With the likes of Suzie Bates, Amy Satterthwaite, Katey Martin and Sophie Devine – we’re not short on leaders in the group. There’s been a real focus on our team-first mentality and everyone’s bought into that – which means we’ll turn up in England as a tight, motivated unit.”
The squad sees the return of Sophie Devine, who was out due to a thumb injury as well as Hannah Rowe, who last played in November 2016. Anna Peterson and Holly Huddleston will also be appearing for their first ever World Cup.
Third-ranked New Zealand, who were the champions in 2000, will face Sri Lanka in their first match. The team will leave for a pre-tournament camp in Hampshire on June 11.
Squad: Suzie Bates (c), Katey Martin, Erin Bermingham, Thamsyn Newton, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu, Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Rachel Priest, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Hannah Rowe and Leigh Kasperek