White Ferns captain: Amelia Kerr named as new New Zealand all-format skipper

Amelia Kerr celebrates. Photo / Photosport

Amelia Kerr has been named as the new captain of the White Ferns, taking the reins of the side in all formats.

The 25-year-old allrounder succeeds Sophie Devine in the role, who vacated the post after last year’s 50-over World Cup in India.

Despite her age, though, Kerr easily stands as one of the best players in the world.

Having made her international debut at just 16, the leg-spinner has gone on to make 172 appearances for New Zealand across One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals.

And as the team enters a period of transition, Kerr was always the frontrunner to succeed Devine in the role.

“Growing up, it was my childhood dream to represent New Zealand and to now have the opportunity to captain my country is a massive privilege,” Kerr said.

“I’m really excited by the growth, the talent and the dedication of this group and the potential of what we can achieve and where we can go together.

“I am following an exceptional group of leaders who have captained the White Ferns before me, so I don’t take the responsibility lightly.

“I have so much love for this group and so much passion for representing Aotearoa.

“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.”

Even at 25, Kerr’s list of accolades is impressive. In 2024, she was named player of the tournament for the White Ferns’ incredible T20 World Cup victory in the UAE.

That achievement was recognised at the start of 2025, when she became the first New Zealander to be awarded the ICC’s Rachel Heyhoe-Flint Trophy, awarded to the best women’s player in the game.

Across both ODIs and T20s combined, Kerr is currently fifth on the list of the White Ferns’ all-time run scoe

New Zealand will need Kerr to find her feet quickly as captain. Later this year, the White Ferns travel to England to defend their T20 World Cup crown, as well as building towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Now, as captain of a young side, White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer predicts that leadership will take Kerr’s game to new heights.

“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,” he 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.

“She has a sound understanding of the game and has strong leadership experience from the games she has captained the White Ferns and her time leading the Wellington Blaze over the past three years.

“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.”

Kerr’s first assignment as captain will come against Zimbabwe, who tour New Zealand for three ODIs and three T20s later this month.