New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr will miss the remaining two ODIs against India due to a torn left quadricep muscle. The injury occurred during the opening match on Thursday, which India won by 59 runs. Kerr is expected to need around three weeks to recover, and the New Zealand team has chosen not to replace her in the ODI squad.
This injury also casts doubt on her participation in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with the Sydney Sixers, which begins on Sunday. As a prominent platinum-category signing, Kerr could miss up to eight of the Sixers’ ten league games, even if she recovers within the estimated three-week timeframe.
According to a statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Kerr underwent scans on Friday morning that confirmed a grade-one quadricep tear. She will return home on Sunday to begin her rehabilitation process.
New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer expressed disappointment, saying, “We feel really gutted for Melie.” Injuries are always challenging for a player, and we know how disappointed she is not to be able to play these games.” He emphasized Kerr’s integral role in the team and conveyed well wishes for her recovery.
Before her injury, Kerr had a standout performance in the T20 World Cup, where she was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets. In the opening ODI against India, she excelled again, taking 4 for 42 and contributing an unbeaten 25 runs in the chase.
With two crucial ODIs remaining on October 27 and 29 in Ahmedabad, Kerr’s absence may impact New Zealand’s quest to improve their standing in the Women’s ODI Championship. Currently, they sit sixth out of ten teams, and a top-six finish is essential for direct qualification for the ODI World Cup in 2025. They will next face Australia in December.
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