New Zealand’s all-rounder Amelia Kerr, a powerhouse both with bat and ball, is sidelined for the remainder of the ODI series against India. Kerr suffered a torn left quadricep during the series opener on October 24th.
She will face a three-week recovery period, a setback not only for her personal game but also for New Zealand’s pursuit of a top-six spot in the Women’s ODI Championship which will ensure direct qualification to the 2025 ODI World Cup. India claimed the first game by 59 runs, and Kerr’s absence for the final two matches in Ahmedabad could deeply impact New Zealand’s plans.
For New Zealand, Kerr’s absence isn’t just a minor inconvenience—she’s been a consistent force against India. Across 11 ODIs, she has amassed 469 runs with an impressive batting average of 78.19, her top score an unbeaten 119. Her bowling has been equally formidable, claiming 17 wickets with best figures of 4 for 42. In the series opener, she continued her fine form, claiming 4 for 42 before a quick-fire 25 off 23 balls to keep her team in contention.
Huge blow to New Zealand! 😲
Kerr will return home on October 27 to start rehabilitation.#CricketTwitter #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/YuaVgeLclZ
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 26, 2024
Head coach Ben Sawyer acknowledged the team’s disappointment: “We’re really gutted for Melie. Injuries are always a challenging time for a player, and we know how disappointed she is to not be able to play these games. Everyone knows how much of an integral part of this team Melie is, so we’ll certainly miss her, but we’re wishing her a speedy recovery.”
Kerr will now head back to New Zealand on Sunday to start her rehabilitation, after scans confirmed a grade-one quadricep tear on October 25th morning. The remaining matches of the India series are scheduled for October 27 and 29, also in Ahmedabad.
Kerr’s injury casts a shadow over her much-anticipated WBBL debut with the Sydney Sixers. Drafted as a platinum-category pick, her three-week recovery timeline means she could miss eight of the Sixers’ ten league games, a significant blow for both Kerr and the Sixers. A veteran of 58 WBBL games, with Brisbane Heat, Kerr has racked up 854 runs and 62 wickets, showcasing her value as an all-round contributor.
(Quotes sourced from NZC media release)
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