The White Ferns captain is in England for the ODI and T20 series against England.
They have made a good start to the tour with a win in a warm-up game against an England development team.
But everything they do this month is just preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales.
The White Ferns won the 2024 edition against the odds.
They squeaked past the West Indies in the semifinals and upset South Africa in the final.
It was a dream run during which they did not have to play either England or Australia, who were tipped to meet in the final.
They flew under the radar, but this time they will not have that luxury.
‘‘That is mostly all external noise,’’ Kerr replied, asked if there would be more pressure on the White Ferns this time around.
‘‘We won the World Cup two years ago and now it’s about winning this World Cup.
‘‘But I think the pleasing thing, having won the World Cup, is knowing that we can win a World Cup.
‘‘We’ve been there before in pressure moments, in a pressure situation where we are world champions and we should have the belief that we can do that again.’’
And why not — the key players have all returned.
Kerr was named player of the tournament and has just got better in the intervening years.
Veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine, the vastly experienced Suzie Bates and seasoned fast bowler Lea Tahuhu are back for one last shot at glory before retiring.
Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday are more accomplished players this time around.
‘‘I think the team is in a great place.
‘‘We’ve come off some really good cricket [against South Africa and Zimbabwe], people have stepped up at different times and that’s what you want — a group where there are multiple performers and that’s what’s been happening as of late.’’
The White Ferns scored 158 for five in the 2024 final and defended 128 for nine in the semifinal.
But the women’s game has evolved and Kerr is expecting a high-scoring tournament.
‘‘I think stats show that if you score 160-plus, you should win the majority of your games.
‘‘But I think it’s going to get to a stage where 180 are scores that you want to push for and 180 will be scores that you want to chase down.’’
The good news is the White Ferns bat deep and can go at big scores harder.
They have so much flexibility in their lineup because both Kerr and Devine bat in the top four and play an important role with the ball.
That means they play an extra batter or bowler, depending on what is needed.
‘‘Having all-rounders, especially in T20 cricket, really helps building a strong balance for a side.’’
Kerr was the leading wicket-taker at the 2024 tournament. Her 15 wickets was a tournament record.
She has been in top form with the ball this year. Her leg-spinner has become a much more potent weapon.
The other major advantage the White Ferns have is they have secured a much easier draw courtesy of their 2024 victory.
They have avoided the pool of death, which includes Australia, India and South Africa.
The White Ferns will have to deal with the likes of England and the West Indies in Group B, but it is a less daunting prospect.
‘‘I don’t know how many T20 World Cups I’ve played in now but I’ve seemed to always be in a pool with Australia and India. So it’s the first time where I think I’ve been in a pool without those two teams.
But T20 cricket is a scary game. One player can have a day out and that can win you a game of cricket.
‘‘We’ve still got Sri Lanka, who have Chamari Athapaththu, who’s very dangerous. You’ve got the West Indies, who made the last semifinals and have got some very dangerous players.’’
And then there is England, who will be extremely motivated to do well in their home tournament, Kerr added.
