15 Jun 2018

Kerr cracks the code for White Ferns

2:36 pm on 15 June 2018

Amelia Kerr didn't even know she'd broken records, so it's unlikely she had picked up on the uncanny connection between her history-making score and the suburb where she has grown up perfecting her craft.

Amelia Kerr in front the scoreboard showing her record score.

Amelia Kerr in front the scoreboard showing her record score. Photo: Photosport

Still just 17, Kerr racked up the highest score in a women's one day international on Thursday (NZ time) when she made 232 not out as New Zealand beat Ireland by a whopping 305 runs in Dublin to sweep the three-match series.

The stunning innings also made Kerr the youngest double centurion in an ODI and the third highest run-scorer in the format full-stop, only behind India's Rohit Sharma (264) and the 237 not out Black Caps opener Martin Guptill scored in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinals.

Kerr's final tally of 232 is also the dialling code for Tawa, and her principal at Tawa College Murray Lucas said the symmetry had not been lost on them.

"We've always been 232 and there's a youth group at a local church which has 232 on it.

"So the number probably couldn't be more fitting for someone who has grown up in Tawa her whole life."

Kerr hit two fours and a six from the final three balls of the New Zealand innings to break a 21-year-old record held by Australian Belinda Clark, one of the greats of the women's game and a player who captained her country to two World Cup crowns.

It wasn't until after her astonishing innings, though, that Kerr came to learn the calibre of the player she had overtaken in the history books.

"I wasnt born till 2000 [so] I didn't actually know who Belinda Clark was until I came off the field and the team told me.

"It's very special and I'm very humbled. It's pretty surreal."

Wellington bowler Amelia Kerr

Amelia Kerr in action for Wellington at the age of just 14. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Kerr had only just turned 16 when she burst onto the international scene as a spin bowler.

For White Ferns coach Haidee Tiffen - herself a former captain of the team - it was never going to be long before the tyro of the team proved her skills as a dual threat.

"I've always known Amelia has huge potential with the bat and I genuinely think she will be a top class all-rounder for the team. No doubt about it, she'll be batting in the top order for the future of the White Ferns.

"That's what we saw first and foremost, the point of difference with the spin bowling, but the fact she has gone out and worked really hard on her batting.

"[She's] a hugely talented player and at 17 she's got the world ahead of her."

Backing up that very statement, Kerr came out after her record-breaking innings and returned the superb figures of five wickets for just 17 runs.

It is arguably the best individual performance in the history of ODI cricket. Proving her feet are very firmly on the ground, though, the uber-talented teen said she couldn't claim all the credit for her brilliant all-round display.

"I actually didn't think Susie (NZ captain Susie Bates) was going to bowl me.

"I thought she let me have rest and I was fielding in the slips so I didn't have to do too much running.

"[But] I got to have a bowl which was nice and the wicket was turning. I guess it's just one of those days and I had a bit of luck along the way as well."

Amelia Kerr on her way to 232 not out against Ireland in Dublin.

Amelia Kerr on her way to 232 not out against Ireland in Dublin. Photo: Photosport

That humble nature and her success, her principal Murray Lucas said, was a product of growing up in a place where community and family play a leading role.

The daughter of former Wellington representative Robbie, Kerr's grandfather is not only a former Black Caps player but a former principal at Tawa College.

Adding to the family connections, her grandmother is the former head of music and her aunt and uncle are both teachers.

Just three days ago another former Tawa College pupil, Sophie Devine, hit the fastest century in the history of women's one day internationals in the White Ferns' second ODI against Ireland.

Lucas said a text sent to him by Kerr, who is also a school prefect, when the team arrived in the UK epitomised what made her such a remarkable young woman.

"She said 'Arrived in England yesterday and off to Ireland tomorrow. Hope you enjoy your long weekend and get a bit of a break', and that is just typical of her.

"[Then she said] 'all my teachers have been amazing and made it very easy for me to balance my school work and cricket without any stress'.

"So that's the other thing I'd like to bring out. Here's someone who is on top of the world, but she is still determined and disciplined with her studies."

Her participation alongside the world's best players in the English T20 League means Kerr won't be back at school for a while.

When she does eventually return to school, Lucas said there would be only one person who would not revel in her record-breaking feats.

"She won't be back till the middle of term 3 ... we'll certainly be recognising her.

"But the person who will most dislike that is Melie herself."

- RNZ