Cricket: Amelia Kerr returns home world champion and in demand

White Ferns all-rounder Amelia Kerr may have returned to New Zealand with a minor injury but she still feels on top of the world after her World Cup heroics.

A week ago, the White Ferns beat South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Dubai to lift the trophy for the first time.

It was a remarkable turnaround for New Zealand as they entered the tournament on a 10-game losing streak.

Kerr, a once-in-a-generation player, was named player of the tournament.

After a night of celebrations, the White Ferns made a quick turnaround as they flew out the following evening for a one-day international series in India.

“We went straight to India, so it was like being on cloud nine, and then we got back to work and these games (in India) are extremely important,” Kerr said.

The White Ferns lost to India by 59 runs in the first ODI in Ahmedabad but they leveled the three-match series this morning with a 76-run win in the second match.

Kerr was ruled out of the series after injuring her left quadriceps muscle in the first game and arrived at Auckland Airport this afternoon.

“It’s good to see the series now on the line at 1-all.” We play so much now that you have to learn to switch on and switch off and stay level and that’s what we did throughout the World Cup and it was the same headline in the ODI series.

“Seeing the girls win yesterday makes me feel a lot better coming home.”

Kerr said the upside of returning early is that she will be able to spend some time with her family before heading off to her next assignment with the Sydney Sixers in Australia’s Big Bash League.

The White Ferns also have a big summer ahead of them, starting with the series against Australia at home; Kerr will be critical to New Zealand’s success.

Her recovery from the injury is expected to take about three weeks.

“Hopefully I’ll go to Sydney soon and play most of the season – that’s what I want.

“Obviously things can change, but this is about rehab and getting back as quickly and safely as possible to be able to play the majority of the Big Bash.”

The 24-year-old said she was living her childhood dream in Dubai, especially having the opportunity to do so alongside her heroes, veterans Sophie Devine and Susie Bates.

“Sophie and Suze probably didn’t think they’d be playing for this long. The growth of the women’s game has kept them there… winning a World Cup with two people who have inspired me means so much. special and will probably be the highlight of my career.”

The tournament was originally planned to be held in Bangladesh, but then Dubai intervened.

Kerr said all the work done to prepare for Bangladeshi conditions has paid off.

“Conditions in Dubai are much better but still similar, where spin has a huge impact. The work I did with the spin group and everyone involved… all that time away from home paid off with the work we did and the faith we had throughout.

“The girls were quite relaxed before the final – it was about playing our best cricket.”