Amelia Kerr Named New Zealand Captain Across All Formats

Allrounder Amelia Kerr has been appointed captain of New Zealand’s women’s cricket team across all formats, succeeding Sophie Devine, who stepped down from the role after retiring from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) following the 2025 World Cup and relinquishing the T20I captaincy.

Kerr’s first assignment as full-time skipper will be a home ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe later this month. The three-match T20I series is set to begin on February 25 in Hamilton, with the squads for the tour to be announced on February 20.

In a statement released by New Zealand Cricket, Kerr expressed pride in taking on the leadership role while emphasizing her commitment to team culture.

“The captaincy doesn't change who I am, I am still the same person and will give everything I can to lead this group and hopefully bring our country success,” Kerr said.

“One of my favourite quotes is: ‘He aha te mea nui o te ao? He Tāngata, He Tāngata, He Tāngata.’ We are people first. As a group we look out for each other, we celebrate each other's success and we represent our people.

Encouraging others and building belief around us so we can all be the best we can be both as people and as cricketers.”

Proven Performer and Leader

The 25-year-old has been a mainstay of the White Ferns since making her debut in 2016. Across 84 ODIs, Kerr has amassed 2,304 runs at an average of 41.14 and claimed 106 wickets at 30.61, underlining her value as a genuine allrounder. In 88 T20Is, she has scored 1,453 runs at a strike rate of 109.74 and taken 95 wickets, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.09.

Kerr also brings significant domestic leadership experience, having captained the Wellington Blaze to consecutive Super Smash titles in the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons.

Head coach Ben Sawyer praised Kerr’s appointment, highlighting her influence within the squad.

“Melie has been an integral member of the squad for many years and deeply understands what it means to be a White Fern and represent New Zealand,” Sawyer said.

“She’s an outstanding leader not only through her performances on the field, but also in the respect she has from the playing group off it.

We believe leading the White Ferns can take Melie’s game to the next level and know she’s ready to step up and lead this team forward.”

Sawyer added that Kerr’s leadership marks the beginning of a new cycle for the team, ensuring “continuity and stability” through to 2029.

With a blend of experience, consistent performance, and proven leadership credentials, Kerr now steps into the role at a pivotal time for New Zealand cricket, tasked with guiding the White Ferns into their next competitive phase.