16 Feb 2024

Amelia Kerr; 'India is the place for cricket'

5:47 am on 16 February 2024
Amelia Kerr in action for the Mumbai Indians.

Amelia Kerr in action for the Mumbai Indians. Photo: PhotoSport / Ron Gaunt

White Ferns all-rounder Amelia Kerr says India is one of the best places in the world to play cricket and she can't wait to get back there.

Kerr returns to the Mumbai Indians as they prepare to defend the Women's Premier League title they won in the inaugural season in 2023.

It's already been a busy summer for Kerr which started with the White Ferns tour of South Africa in September and October.

She then helped the Brisbane Heat through to the final of the Big Bash in Australia in November, before playing the ODI and T20 home series' against Pakistan in December.

She guided Wellington to the Super Smash title last month and leaves with Wellington on top of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield standings.

It sounds like a full time gig but the 23 year old believes she manages her time well.

"You could say the summer is busy but it's actually all year round," Kerr told RNZ.

"I think there's a balance of playing as much as you can to get better but also taking the time off to have the training blocks to work on things and also to be mentally fresh."

Kerr first started playing overseas in 2018 and is now a regular in England, Australia and India as well as New Zealand.

Being in the top 15 in all the women's batting and bowling rankings makes her hot property and it's India that is about to enjoy her talents again.

"I was in a great set-up with Mumbai and we won the competition which made it even more special.

"When you're winning things obviously seem better.

"Going to India is the place for cricket, they love it so much and so it's a cool place to go."

Amelia Kerr in action for the Mumbai Indians.

Amelia Kerr in action for the Mumbai Indians. Photo: PhotoSport / Deepak Malik

Kerr was picked up by Mumbai in the inaugural player auction last year for $200,000.

She played 10 matches last season recording a batting average of 37.25 and taking 15 wickets.

"We've got a great support staff and one of the best coaches in the world in Charlotte Edwards.

"The team has some amazing cricketers and people who I loved playing with last year so I'm excited for that month over there."

The WPL involves five teams with White Ferns captain Sophie Devine playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lea Tahuhu for Gujurat Giants.

The White Ferns next assignment is a home series against England involving five T20 internationals and three ODI's.