Ms Blaster
Teenage White Fern belts world record
about them over the loudspeakers but couldn’t hear what they were because of the clapping.
She had “a wee nap” after her innings, then picked up the ball and ensured it really was her day.
Kerr, who first played for Wellington at 14, grew up with a range of sporting pursuits, notably football and athletics. Indeed, she admitted football was her first sporting passion when she was young, “but I got injured quite a lot so I ended up quitting, and because I was busy with my cricket”.
Blessed with a strong work ethic, Kerr has had help from a range of coaches, including Christie van Dyk, husband of former Silver Fern star Irene.
She hasn’t particularly modelled her game on any player but admitted to admiring fellow Tawa resident Devine, Kane Williamson and AB de Villiers.
Kerr will be away about three months because she has a T20 contract with the Southern Vipers after New Zealand’s tour. She would not have taken it without the schools’ permission, combined with a confidence on both parties she will still pass her NCEA level three. At the Southamptonbased Vipers, Kerr will team with New Zealand captain Suzie Bates, an unabashed admirer.
“I’m very excited, and I’m glad Suzie’s going to be there,” Kerr said. “She’s an awesome leader and I’m sure it will be a good experience.”
It is a mutual appreciation society with Bates.
“She has a really good head on her shoulders, nothing seems to faze her, she’s got the skill level and she just takes it all in her stride,” Bates said of the teen tyro.
There’s no doubt Kerr has cleared her throat in the most emphatic manner to ram home that there is a new star in the women’s game.
The cricket world truly is her oyster.