Kerr gets White Ferns contract
White Ferns’ prodigy Amelia Kerr has taken the next step in her career by accepting a fulltime contract with the team.
She along with Maddy Green, of Auckland are the only new contracts on the payroll, however, allrounder Anna Peterson has fought her way back on the list.
Kerr, 16, is the youngest-ever contracted White Fern capping off a big 12 months for the young star who made her debut last November and played every match at the Women’s Cricket World Cup in June.
The leg spinner finished inside the top ten wicket-takers at the tournament, something coach Haidee Tiffen said was down to her having a cool head in pressure situations.
Kerr is a year 12 student at Tawa College and said the contract was a dream come true for her.
‘‘I’ve always wanted to be a professional cricketer and to play for the White Ferns regularly. The last year’s all happened pretty fast, but I’ve really enjoyed the experience and I’m excited about the future.’’
Tiffen said Kerr represented the next generation of New Zealand cricketers.
‘‘I think we all know what a precocious talent Amelia is and she certainly showed that with her performances at the World Cup.
‘‘She’s extremely skillful and confident, especially considering her age, and I think we’re seeing that more and more in the players that are coming through.’’
Tiffen also congratulated the Auckland duo of Green and Peterson on their new contracts, which she said were hard earned.
‘‘Maddy’s shown plenty of promise in her limited opportunities and we’ve been impressed by her all-round skills and athleticism.
‘‘Anna’s made it back onto the list through pure performance. She’s taken her chances when they’ve come and obviously claimed that memorable hat-trick in our Twenty20 series win against
Australia earlier this year.’’
Tiffen also pointed to 20-yearold Hannah Rowe and 25-year-old Leigh Kasperek as rising stars who stood up at the recent World Cup.
‘‘We’ve got a group of experienced players currently leading the way for the White Ferns, but we know they won’t be around forever.
‘‘What the likes of Hannah, Leigh and Amelia showed in the UK is that there are players coming through who are ready to take up the mantle.’’
The team is set to be in action next month against Pakistan with a tour to the UAE to be announced shortly.