Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
📻 How to tune into Sport Nation
Melie Kerr named White Ferns captain
Sport Nation • February 16th, 2026 5:00 am
Melie Kerr | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
Melie Kerr has been named the new White Ferns captain, taking over from Sophie Devine across all formats. The 25-year-old, who has played 172 internationals, will lead both the ODI and T20I sides, starting with the upcoming series against Zimbabwe later this month.
“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.”
Since debuting at 16, Kerr has scored 3,757 runs and taken 201 wickets, becoming the White Ferns’ third all-time leading wicket-taker and fifth all-time leading run-scorer.
She was Player of the Tournament at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the first New Zealander to win the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy.
Melie Kerr double strike turns tide for Blaze in Super Smash Elimination Final | Sport Nation
“One of my favourite quotes is: ‘He aha te mea nui o te ao? He Tāngata, He Tāngata, He Tāngata," Kerr said when asked to reflect upon her leadership style.
“We are people first. As a group we look out for each other, we celebrate each other’s success and we represent our people.
“Encouraging others and building belief around us so we can all be the best we can be both as people and as cricketers.”
Coach Ben Sawyer said: “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.
“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.”
Melie Kerr salutes the crowd | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
Liz Green, NZC's Head of Women’s High Performance Development, added: “Melie is hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and is a great role model for the group and fans of the White Ferns.
“It’s been a privilege to see Melie’s development from playing with her to seeing her grow into the leader she is today.
“Melie has strong values and her people-first approach to the game aligns perfectly with our wider vision for the White Ferns and what we are trying to build for the future.
“We look forward to supporting her in the role as captain and we look forward to watching Melie develop as a leader.”
The squads for the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe will be named on Friday.
The three-match T20I series begins at Hamilton's Seddon Park on February 25 with live ball-by-ball commentary available on the Sport Nation app.
Melie Kerr shares a special moment with dad after winning ICC cricketer of the year | Sport Nation
