Record-holding allrounder joins Brisbane Heat

The cricketer known for scoring an unbeaten double hundred and taking a five-wicket haul in the same match is building her talents to the Rebel WBBL.

New Zealand teenager Amelia Kerr has joined the Brisbane Heat as the reigning champion’s first WBBL|05 overseas player.

At just 18 years old, the allrounder is already experienced at the international level. Kerr has over 50 ODI and T20I caps for New Zealand and is the nation’s current ODI Player of the Year.

A highly-sought after recruit, she fielded interest from other WBBL clubs before opting to join the most successful team in WBBL|04.

In doing so, Kerr becomes teammates with the high-profile Australian trio of Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince and Beth Mooney as the Heat’s marquee players.

“To play alongside three great Aussie players is a big attraction,” Kerr said.

“For me it’s about focusing on my strengths and trying to do my best here. Hopefully I can do well for the Heat.”

Kerr considers herself a bowling allrounder yet to establish her batting skills on the international stage. This was hardly the case in June 2018 when she scored a world record 232no in an ODI against Ireland.

The headline-grabbing performance also included a spell of 5-17 in the second innings, as the Wellington product truly proved her worth with both bat and ball.

“Anyone who has followed cricket would be aware that Amelia is a pretty special talent,” Heat coach Ashley Noffke said.

“It’s exciting to welcome her into our club and we’re looking forward to seeing her in action when the season gets underway.”

Brisbane fans will first get to see Kerr in action when the Heat kick off their season in a Grand Final rematch against the Sydney Sixers on Saturday 19 October.

Current Brisbane Heat WBBL|05 squad: Grace Harris, Sammy Jo Johnson, Kirby Short, Jess Jonassen, Amelia Kerr (NZ), Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney