Melie Kerr relishing vital role in New Zealand set-up after record-breaking year 

New Zealand all-rounder Melie Kerr has reflected on her position within the White Ferns set-up as she plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the veterans and young brigade.

Kerr gave some insight into her role when discussing her superb 2024 that culminated in New Zealand claiming their first ICC Women's T20 World Cup title and also netted in her winning the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy as the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year.

It was an easy choice given Kerr was adjudged Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup and starred in the title decider when named Player of the Final and the 24-year-old revealed how much she enjoys the mix between her New Zealand teammates and seeing them gain success in the UAE last year.

While New Zealand legends Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine finally got their hands on the trophy after finishing as runners-up twice, the squad also comprised of Fran Jonas, Georgia Plimmer, and Izzy Gaze, who were promoted to the senior side after featuring in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup back in 2023.

Kerr reflected on her role in the squad, emphasising how she finds herself bridging two generations of White Ferns and playing a key part in connecting the team.

“Personally, I think it's a really nice position for me to be in and have great relationships with the older girls in the team because I've played with them for the last eight to 10 years," Kerr said.

"And so I guess I've been through different experiences with them within that time.”

WATCH: Melie Kerr jubilant after Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award achievement | ICC Awards 2024

Speaking about playing alongside some of the Under-19 stars who have now progressed to the senior team, Kerr said, “And then also with the young group coming through, obviously a young age, and I'm closer in age to them, so I feel like I can relate to the players and have experiences to some degree that are similar to both sides.

"But I feel like I'm in a position where I can connect and relate with, I guess, both spectrums.”

Kerr not only won the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year in 2024, but she was also honoured as the ICC Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year.