January 30, 2026 • 7 mins
The Wellington Blaze chase more history on Saturday, chasing a record-extending 10th Super Smash T20 title when meeting Auckland in the grand final at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.
Adam Cooper spoke to Blaze captain Jess Kerr ahead of the match.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
From tennis coaching at Gondalah's to set accord at the
Rene of Center, the Allsport Breakfast with Honda Store, Wellington
News Talks AB quarter to nine here on News Talks
heb on the Allsport Breakfast. We'll at two o'clock this
afternoon the Wellington Blaze will look to continue their incredible
cricketing dynasty. They're chasing their tenth Super Smash T twenty
title and just nineteen seasons. What a record. And of
(00:24):
course the Blaze chasing three in a row this weekend
as well when they meet the Auckland Hearts at Hagley
Oval this after and only it's head Live too the
Blaze camp. Now their captain's Jess curR is with us.
Now morning to you Adjest, another final rolls round. How's
the excitement levels this morning?
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Yeah, it's been quite a long week really with no games.
But yeah, woken up today. They're excited. Sunny, sunny day
and Christ here. It's so it'll be a good.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
Day, fantastic. Well I can tell you it's sunny here
and Wellington two would have been nice at the basin,
wouldn't it.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Oh? Absolutely, it's a shame really the amount of finals
we've made to only have probably heard about three or
four at home with the support we get. But I know,
no matter where we are and in the world, really
we get that support from Wellington. So yeah, we'll be
feeling it from Afar today.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Great, Jess. How's this season played out differently to the
last couple of years in a final? Again, it's been
quite interesting this year. A few personnel changes, the imports
from Australia you know, came and went. Mealy was here
at the start, contributed hugely. But but yeah, has it
felt different this year in terms of the road to
the final?
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Yeah, I guess on paper it's been different in terms
of team lineups. We've we've you know, as you said,
nearly has been a huge, huge sort of loss to
this team. But it's also shown how how much depths
and development is coming through in Wellington. So that's that's
definitely a huge difference. And to not have internationals for
the final is a real shame too. But yeah, I
(01:47):
think the side is a very young side, slightly inexperience,
but they're also just continuing that blaze sort of method
where we find ways to win no matter what. We
sort of put on put on the board, so that
sort of hasn't changed. But yeah, a few a few
different players coming in and out.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
What's been key to filling the voids of the likes
of Sophie Devine and Mealy to continue the success and
have those young players really stepping up? Do you think?
Speaker 2 (02:16):
I think belief's a huge one. If you if you
don't believe you can win a game of cricket, you
probably shouldn't sort of step onto the field, and and
and the Blaze always believe they can win from anywhere,
So I think that sort of continued no matter who
was playing. And I guess we've got some experienced players
with the likes of you know, Georgia's Georgia has now
experienced myself and you know Beck Synges mcphagen and then
(02:40):
the jar Jet lead to so it's it's a nice
balance at the moment. But yeah, I think belief and
also just enjoying our cricket, so when you're having fun,
you often play a lot better.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
Yeah, and Dan, and it's been an interesting couple of
years a coaching change with Johnny now at the Helm permanently. Jess,
how's that contributed to how this team is managing just
stay on top of your opponents.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
I absolutely love working with Johnny and yeah, he's been
such a great addition to this team. I think he's
just so calm and in his way with sort of
communicating with everyone in the way that they need as well.
It's quite personal and individual individualized, which is fantastic. And yeah,
I just really love his calm, measured approach to the game.
(03:24):
And he's not afraid to pump up the girls tis
as well when we needed And yeah, there's just so
much learning going around in the group as a result
of him as coach too.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
How much of a game changer is it having all rounders?
And I know, Jess, you've put a lot of work
to have you know, to be a genuine all rounder
in this team with Scenzara jently really sort of shine
this year and putting a lot of a lot of
work too. How much of an edge does that give teams?
Do you think having you know several key all rounders
on their lists?
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Yeah, I think having genuine all rounder is in a
team that just allows you to you know, stack aside
with either an extra better or or bowler depending what
sees fit, or even just have a have a really
good fielding side. It it allows you with more options
than they're not, so yeah, it's awesome to see Zara's
development in that space. And yeah, I've worked worked hard
(04:14):
on my bedding. It's still a work in progress. But
you see in the women's game and leads particularly how
many all rounders get picked up around the world. So
it's definitely the way the game's going. And yeah, it's
exciting space to sort of be amongst It.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Was Auckland versus the Northern Brave to get the place
in the final to take on the Blaze today? Is
that who you want at Auckland.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Look, you don't really care too much. Anything can happen
in T twenty cricket. I was Auckland on paper, have
a lot of white fans and they are very good sides,
so yeah, I was planning for both. But yeah, unfortunately
it's Auckland because there's a left hander in the team.
That's what makes it the most difficult in a way.
But yeah, it would have would have been fine with whatever.
(04:59):
You just you to adapt as it goes.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
And Maddie Green their captain, of course, a former Blaze
captain involved in a lot of success here with the
Blaze through her time in Wellington. As someone that you
know very well, Jess, what is it like facing someone
like her?
Speaker 2 (05:13):
Yeah, she's just a very experienced head and played so
much cricket. She knows how to win games of cricket
and yeah, is very calm too so and also just
a great human. So yeah, I much prefer her being
on my side. But yeah, to play against her is
also a great challenge to particularly you know as a
(05:34):
bowlerginning to bowl to her. So yeah, it's an awesome
opportunity for our girls. There's a number of white fans
in the Auckland side, so to hopefully pull off a
victory today against a side like that would be something
really special.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
As we've mentioned, it's not unfamiliar territory for the Blaze
being in finals and this is another one for you today.
What's sort of your advice as leader to this team
and how do you get through finals day when you
first ball isn't until two o'clock.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Yeah. I think everyone will sort of approach the day differently,
but I guess for me, my biggest piece of advice
is it's actually just another game. There's nothing to lose
and We play this game because we enjoy it, and
we need to enjoy games like today just because it's
a final. We don't need to fear it. So yeah,
(06:21):
I just want them to have fun, express themselves and
do what we've been doing all season.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
And do you look at the milestones on off a
hair you know, ten titles up for grabs, a three
pet as well. Does that form any of your thinking
or your your motivation for a big result today?
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Not really too much. And I think you often get
told it by sort of media outlets and things like that.
It's obviously a great legacy we've started to create and
to get to this point as a milestone in itself.
But I'm sure afterwards, when again hopefully we do win,
you you can celebrate those successes. But I think if
(06:58):
you get too caught up on them before the game,
that's just more added pressure that's that's not needed.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
Really fair enough. And what kind of deck you're expecting
from Hagley From what you saw yesterday.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Oh, it looked a really great wicket. I think the
power play was pretty explosive. She's what can got off
to an absolute flyer. And yeah, there's there's often a
bit of pace and bounce, which you know if you
miss miss straight it can it can go a long way.
So yeah, I think it'll be a good game of cricket.
And yeah, we'll see who comes out on top.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
I guess yeah right, well I'm hoping it's the Blaze Jess.
Really appreciate your time on game day, Thanks so much,
and on behalf of everyone listening here in Wellington this
morning that can't make it down for the game. I
know there'll be so much support for us and wishing
you all the very best as the success continues. So
thanks for your time.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Thanks so much, appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
For more from News Talks d B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcast on IR Radio.
From tennis coaching at Gondalah's to set accord at the
Rene of Center, the Allsport Breakfast with Honda Store, Wellington
News Talks AB quarter to nine here on News Talks
heb on the Allsport Breakfast. We'll at two o'clock this
afternoon the Wellington Blaze will look to continue their incredible
cricketing dynasty. They're chasing their tenth Super Smash T twenty
title and just nineteen seasons. What a record. And of
(00:24):
course the Blaze chasing three in a row this weekend
as well when they meet the Auckland Hearts at Hagley
Oval this after and only it's head Live too the
Blaze camp. Now their captain's Jess curR is with us.
Now morning to you Adjest, another final rolls round. How's
the excitement levels this morning?
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Yeah, it's been quite a long week really with no games.
But yeah, woken up today. They're excited. Sunny, sunny day
and Christ here. It's so it'll be a good.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
Day, fantastic. Well I can tell you it's sunny here
and Wellington two would have been nice at the basin,
wouldn't it.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Oh? Absolutely, it's a shame really the amount of finals
we've made to only have probably heard about three or
four at home with the support we get. But I know,
no matter where we are and in the world, really
we get that support from Wellington. So yeah, we'll be
feeling it from Afar today.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Great, Jess. How's this season played out differently to the
last couple of years in a final? Again, it's been
quite interesting this year. A few personnel changes, the imports
from Australia you know, came and went. Mealy was here
at the start, contributed hugely. But but yeah, has it
felt different this year in terms of the road to
the final?
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Yeah, I guess on paper it's been different in terms
of team lineups. We've we've you know, as you said,
nearly has been a huge, huge sort of loss to
this team. But it's also shown how how much depths
and development is coming through in Wellington. So that's that's
definitely a huge difference. And to not have internationals for
the final is a real shame too. But yeah, I
(01:47):
think the side is a very young side, slightly inexperience,
but they're also just continuing that blaze sort of method
where we find ways to win no matter what. We
sort of put on put on the board, so that
sort of hasn't changed. But yeah, a few a few
different players coming in and out.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
What's been key to filling the voids of the likes
of Sophie Devine and Mealy to continue the success and
have those young players really stepping up? Do you think?
Speaker 2 (02:16):
I think belief's a huge one. If you if you
don't believe you can win a game of cricket, you
probably shouldn't sort of step onto the field, and and
and the Blaze always believe they can win from anywhere,
So I think that sort of continued no matter who
was playing. And I guess we've got some experienced players
with the likes of you know, Georgia's Georgia has now
experienced myself and you know Beck Synges mcphagen and then
(02:40):
the jar Jet lead to so it's it's a nice
balance at the moment. But yeah, I think belief and
also just enjoying our cricket, so when you're having fun,
you often play a lot better.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
Yeah, and Dan, and it's been an interesting couple of
years a coaching change with Johnny now at the Helm permanently. Jess,
how's that contributed to how this team is managing just
stay on top of your opponents.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
I absolutely love working with Johnny and yeah, he's been
such a great addition to this team. I think he's
just so calm and in his way with sort of
communicating with everyone in the way that they need as well.
It's quite personal and individual individualized, which is fantastic. And yeah,
I just really love his calm, measured approach to the game.
(03:24):
And he's not afraid to pump up the girls tis
as well when we needed And yeah, there's just so
much learning going around in the group as a result
of him as coach too.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
How much of a game changer is it having all rounders?
And I know, Jess, you've put a lot of work
to have you know, to be a genuine all rounder
in this team with Scenzara jently really sort of shine
this year and putting a lot of a lot of
work too. How much of an edge does that give teams?
Do you think having you know several key all rounders
on their lists?
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Yeah, I think having genuine all rounder is in a
team that just allows you to you know, stack aside
with either an extra better or or bowler depending what
sees fit, or even just have a have a really
good fielding side. It it allows you with more options
than they're not, so yeah, it's awesome to see Zara's
development in that space. And yeah, I've worked worked hard
(04:14):
on my bedding. It's still a work in progress. But
you see in the women's game and leads particularly how
many all rounders get picked up around the world. So
it's definitely the way the game's going. And yeah, it's
exciting space to sort of be amongst It.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Was Auckland versus the Northern Brave to get the place
in the final to take on the Blaze today? Is
that who you want at Auckland.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Look, you don't really care too much. Anything can happen
in T twenty cricket. I was Auckland on paper, have
a lot of white fans and they are very good sides,
so yeah, I was planning for both. But yeah, unfortunately
it's Auckland because there's a left hander in the team.
That's what makes it the most difficult in a way.
But yeah, it would have would have been fine with whatever.
(04:59):
You just you to adapt as it goes.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
And Maddie Green their captain, of course, a former Blaze
captain involved in a lot of success here with the
Blaze through her time in Wellington. As someone that you
know very well, Jess, what is it like facing someone
like her?
Speaker 2 (05:13):
Yeah, she's just a very experienced head and played so
much cricket. She knows how to win games of cricket
and yeah, is very calm too so and also just
a great human. So yeah, I much prefer her being
on my side. But yeah, to play against her is
also a great challenge to particularly you know as a
(05:34):
bowlerginning to bowl to her. So yeah, it's an awesome
opportunity for our girls. There's a number of white fans
in the Auckland side, so to hopefully pull off a
victory today against a side like that would be something
really special.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
As we've mentioned, it's not unfamiliar territory for the Blaze
being in finals and this is another one for you today.
What's sort of your advice as leader to this team
and how do you get through finals day when you
first ball isn't until two o'clock.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Yeah. I think everyone will sort of approach the day differently,
but I guess for me, my biggest piece of advice
is it's actually just another game. There's nothing to lose
and We play this game because we enjoy it, and
we need to enjoy games like today just because it's
a final. We don't need to fear it. So yeah,
(06:21):
I just want them to have fun, express themselves and
do what we've been doing all season.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
And do you look at the milestones on off a
hair you know, ten titles up for grabs, a three
pet as well. Does that form any of your thinking
or your your motivation for a big result today?
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Not really too much. And I think you often get
told it by sort of media outlets and things like that.
It's obviously a great legacy we've started to create and
to get to this point as a milestone in itself.
But I'm sure afterwards, when again hopefully we do win,
you you can celebrate those successes. But I think if
(06:58):
you get too caught up on them before the game,
that's just more added pressure that's that's not needed.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
Really fair enough. And what kind of deck you're expecting
from Hagley From what you saw yesterday.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Oh, it looked a really great wicket. I think the
power play was pretty explosive. She's what can got off
to an absolute flyer. And yeah, there's there's often a
bit of pace and bounce, which you know if you
miss miss straight it can it can go a long way.
So yeah, I think it'll be a good game of cricket.
And yeah, we'll see who comes out on top.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
I guess yeah right, well I'm hoping it's the Blaze Jess.
Really appreciate your time on game day, Thanks so much,
and on behalf of everyone listening here in Wellington this
morning that can't make it down for the game. I
know there'll be so much support for us and wishing
you all the very best as the success continues. So
thanks for your time.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Thanks so much, appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
For more from News Talks d B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcast on IR Radio.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!