Melie Kerr

A teen sensation who had become popular even before playing a single game for her country. Amelia Kerr, a 14-year-old leg-spinner, gained recognition when a video of her bowling surfaced on YouTube. The potential was clearly evident and the New Zealand selectors wasted no time in fast tracking her to the national team.

In November 2016, Kerr made her One-Day debut against Pakistan, where she picked up six wickets in four games. However, her best performance was against Australia, the leg-spinner playing only her second ODI versus the rivals, picked up four wickets, which included the wickets of - Meg Lanning, Elyse Villani, Alyssa Healy, though New Zealand lost, Kerr had announced herself to the world.

The grand-daughter of former New Zealand Test cricketer Bruce Murray, Kerr was picked for the 2017 World Cup. Some might feel it was a bit too hasty from the selectors point of view, but not coach, Haidee Tiffin, who said, "Not at all. Her skill set is exceptional. She can get world class players out."

Amelia Kerr, the champion! Amelia Kerr might be well known for her exploits with the bat at a tender age of 17, where, in an ODI against Ireland, she broke the 21-year-old record of the highest individual score (held by Belinda Clarke at that time) in women's ODIs. As if that wasn't stunning enough, she claimed a fifer in the same game as well. On the field, Kerr's achievements are well-documented, but the battles she fought off the field is what defines Amelia Kerr, the future GOAT. In July 2021, Kerr opted out of the England tour (August 2021) to prioritise her mental health. Just 21 at that time, Kerr not only admitted her struggles with depression, but, later, also came up with an initiative (outoftherough.nz) that offers support to people suffering with mental health issues. During the England tour 2021, Kerr's rolemodel and skipper, Sophie Devine would regularly call and check on Kerr's mental health. Amelia Kerr shares a very special bond with both Sophie and Suzie. In Sophie, she sees a mentor and idol while in Suzie, it's more of the friendship and respect she developed over the years of playing together.

That last over in the T20 World Cup semi-final 2024: It was Amelia Kerr's suggestion of "Suzie I think you should bowl" that prompted the turn of events when NZ needed to defend 15 off the final over against West Indies in Sharjah. The last time Bates bowled during a run-chase, (24 March 2024) England needed 8 off the final over with 4 wickets in hand. Suzie struck twice in that over and conceded just 4 to help New Zealand win their first game of the series. Coincidentally, that was the last T20I game New Zealand won a T20 game before the World Cup. It was worth noting that the White Ferns lost 10 T20Is heading into the World Cup. And ultimately, New Zealand went onto win the final (maiden T20 World Cup) against South Africa in Dubai.