"Rohit vs Hazlewood": Netizens lambast MI's Amelia Kerr for struggle vs Bell in WPL opener

Amelia Kerr faces hard time in WPL 2026 opener [Source: JioHotstar]

Amelia Kerr’s much-anticipated start to the WPL 2026 season turned into a frustrating evening as she struggled badly against RCB pacer Lauren Bell in the opening fixture. The Mumbai Indians all-rounder looked short of rhythm and confidence, and Bell’s disciplined spell exposed her early in the powerplay.

From the very first over, Bell had Kerr in trouble. She was mysteriously sent on to open in the absence of Hayley Matthews.

Bell, on her WPL debut, consistently hit a full-length outside off and got the ball to move away, forcing Kerr to play away from her body. 

Lauren Bell makes Amelia Kerr look like a rookie

The New Zealander was beaten multiple times, failing to middle the ball and often missing it altogether. By the end of Bell’s first over, Kerr had faced six deliveries without scoring, a rare maiden over.

The pressure kept building. Lauren Bell mixed her lengths smartly and used subtle movement to keep Amelia Kerr guessing. 

At one stage, Kerr had managed just one run from 11 balls, with the false shot percentage alarmingly high. She looked uncomfortable at the crease, unsure whether to commit forward or stay back, and the timing that usually defines her batting was nowhere to be seen.

Kerr finally got off the mark with a clipped single, but the relief was short-lived. Bell returned and continued to trouble her, beating the bat again with deliveries that seamed away. The duel was one-sided, with Bell clearly on top.

The inevitable happened in the fifth over. Trying to break free, Kerr advanced down the track and swung across the line, only to miscue the shot badly. 

The ball looped towards cover, where Arundhati Reddy completed a safe catch. Kerr departed for just 4 off 15 balls, ending a scratchy and uncharacteristic innings.

Meanwhile, fans criticised the Mumbai Indians’ decision to send Amelia Kerr to open. They believe her best would come in the middle-order. Others also praise Lauren Bell for a fantastic debut.

RCB Xtra

@Rcb_Xtra

Lauren Bell to Amelia Kerr highlights

Jan 9, 2026, 8:09 PM

𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔

@Shebas_10dulkar

Amelia Kerr scored 4 (15) Who on earth sent her in to open the batting #WPL2026

Jan 9, 2026, 8:05 PM

Marwadi

@AmeerHuBc

amelia kerr plz hit your bat into the wicket and never play cricket again

Sujeet Gupta 

@sujeet_gupta45

After seeing Delhi’s air pollution, Amelia Kerr reportedly decided to plant extra trees—just in case her next innings needs some fresh oxygen 🌳😄 #WPL2026 #PlantMoreTrees #DelhiAir

Jan 9, 2026, 8:03 PM

stump masters

@stumpmasters

Is it Lauren bell vs amelia kerr or Rohit Sharma vs Josh Hazlewood 😭😭

CricShyr

@cricshyr

Amelia Kerr 3 Crore played with Strike rate of 33 🤣🤣

Meanwhile, owing to a scratchy start, MI-W could only manage 34 runs in the powerplay. Shortly after powerplay, Mumbai lost Nat Sciver-Brunt on just 4 off 3 balls. 

Lauren Bell, on the other hand, finished her spell with 14 runs conceded in four overs, including a wicket of Amelia Kerr.