Amelia Kerr Backs Out of England Tour Citing Mental Health and Well-Being Concerns

New Zealand women’s cricketer Amelia Kerr has pulled out of the upcoming tour of England citing mental health issues and an effort to improve her overall well-being. New Zealand cricket announced her exclusion from the squad. The Kiwi women will take on England in five ODI’s and three T20Is starting on September 2.

Her withdrawal has come amid rising mental issues in the cricketing fraternity, with the latest being England cricketer Ben Stokes who took an indefinite break from cricket to focus on his mental health. The stress of the bio-bubble and regular quarantining while traveling abroad has fueled the growing concerns of experts and fans. Amelia Kerr has stated that she took the decision after consulting with her support staff.

“I love representing New Zealand and playing for the WHITE FERNS. However, after plenty of consultation with my support network, putting my mental health and well-being first is my number one priority. I’ve not taken this decision lightly – I feel this is best for me at the current time,” Kerr said.

New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine backed Amelia Kerr’s decision

Being in a strict bio-bubble takes a toll on the well-being of players and Kiwi skipper Sophie Devine supported her teammate’s decision. Although the team will miss Kerr’s services, Sophie pointed out that it was important for the players to take an open stance on this issue and take breaks from the sport now and then.

“We’re obviously going to miss Melie in England. As a cricketer, she offers plenty in all three aspects of the game and is great fun to have in the park. Every individual knows how tough the environment is at the moment with Covid-19; time away from family, living in a bio-bubble or quarantine periods.”

“We’re really fortunate we have great support around us from both New Zealand Cricket and the CPA. It’s important we talk openly about it because it can get tough and we need to ensure our players, teammates, and friends are looked after. We’re all wrapping around Melie and know she’ll make a comeback when she’s ready,” Sophie asserted.

The England tour will go ahead as scheduled on September 2 with the T20I’s kicking off the series. New Zealand women had announced their squad earlier for the white-ball series.

New Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (c), Amy Satterthwaite, Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Lea Tahuhu, Claudia Green, Hayley Jensen, Maddy Green, Leigh Kasperek, Brooke Halliday, Jess Kerr, Katey Martin (wk), Rosemary Mair, Jess McFadyen (wk), Thamsyn Newton, Hannah Rowe