WBBL: Brisbane Heat ready to unveil New Zealand star Amelia Kerr in Sydney Sixers opener

Rising New Zealand star Amelia Kerr - who blasted a world-record 232 not out and snared 5-17 against Ireland last year - is hoping to leave a lasting impression with Brisbane Heat on this year’s WBBL.

Amelia Kerr is ready to make her mark with the Heat.

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A pumped-up Amelia Kerr says she’s ready to continue Brisbane Heat’s rich history of successful Kiwi imports ahead of her side’s WBBL opener against Sydney Sixers on Saturday night.

Despite having just turned 19 last week, Kerr is already a rising star of the international game after blasting a world-record 232 not out and snaring 5-17 for New Zealand in a 50-over match against Ireland last year, and boasts 53 caps across ODIs and T20s for the White Ferns.

She’s yet to test herself in the WBBL but Kerr is hoping to leave a lasting impression alongside fellow White Ferns all-rounder Maddy Green, akin to that of the Heat’s most beloved Kiwi duo – Brendan McCullum and Daniel Vettori.

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Amelia Kerr is ready to make her mark with the Heat.

“I guess there’s a bit of history with Kiwis coming to Queensland, so it’s nice to know that other Kiwis have really enjoyed their time with the Heat,” Kerr said.

“So when I got asked to come over here, it was really a no-brainer.

“It would’ve been cool if Brendan and Dan were over here but we’ve got that history, so hopefully Maddy and I can keep that relationship going.”

Kerr and Green are already settling in as Heat teammates and housemates – “she’s been cooking for me which is nice” – but it’s on the training pitch where the Kiwi teen is truly thriving.

Having briefly toured Brisbane’s facilities in August, Kerr returned last week to join the squad and says she’s relishing the opportunity to learn from international rivals like Beth Mooney and Jess Jonassen.

“It’s awesome to have those world-class players from the Aussies on the team,” Kerr said.

“I’ve played a bit of cricket against them now and obviously they’re great cricketers but they’re also great people, and hopefully I can learn a lot from them throughout the season.

Amelia Kerr has been a revelation for the Kiwis.

“(The WBBL) is one of the best comps in the world and I’m excited to play in it but also just training and being part of this environment is amazing, so I’m hoping it will develop me as a cricketer as well.”

While last year’s double-ton proved she’s no slouch with the bat, Kerr will likely be shunted down the order for Brisbane’s grand final rematch with the star-studded Sixers.

But the affable legspinner says she’s happy as long as she’s contributing.

“I think bowling’s my role in this side, that and trying to bring as much energy into the field, but really contributing with the ball,” Kerr said.

“I’ve played a bit of cricket against (Alyssa) Healy and (Elyse) Perry. Hopefully I can get some good plans in place and I’m sure they’ll have some plans in place against me as well, so it should be a great challenge.”