The White Ferns face a significant setback ahead of their title defence in the upcoming 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, as key off-spinner Eden Carson will miss the tournament due to elbow surgery. The 24-year-old, who was instrumental in New Zealand’s maiden T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, is currently undergoing rehabilitation that will keep her sidelined through the home summer and the England and Wales-hosted event from June 12 to July 5, 2026.
Carson’s role in New Zealand’s historic 2024 World Cup victory in the UAE was pivotal. In the final against South Africa at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, she bowled a tight spell of 4-0-22-1, helping the White Ferns clinch their first ICC T20 World Cup title by 32 runs. Throughout the tournament, she emerged as New Zealand’s third-highest wicket-taker with 9 wickets at an impressive average of 16.33 and an economy rate of 6.39 across six innings.
Carson’s consistent bowling performance was a cornerstone for the team’s success, complementing the all-round brilliance of Amelia Kerr. Across her T20I career, Carson has taken 39 wickets in 37 matches at an average of 19.10 and an economy rate of 6.53, underscoring her value as a reliable and crafty spinner in the White Ferns’ lineup.
New Zealand coach Ben Sawyer expressed deep disappointment at losing Carson for the upcoming World Cup but emphasised the importance of prioritising her long-term health. “We’re all really gutted for Eden,” Sawyer said. “The team has a big six months ahead, and I know how difficult it was for her to make the decision to go through with the surgery now, but I fully support it.
“It’ll obviously be a huge loss for the team not having Eden available, especially for the T20 World Cup, where she played a big role for us last year. At just 24 years old, she’s still got a long career ahead, so it’s important we look forward and prioritise getting her back on the park and fully fit.”
Carson’s elbow issue first surfaced prior to this year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, with the decision to operate coming after medical assessments indicated the need for immediate intervention. The rehabilitation period is expected to span six months, ruling her out of the White Ferns’ busy home schedule, including the six white-ball matches against Zimbabwe planned for early 2026.
New Zealand has been drawn in Group B for the T20 World Cup alongside hosts England, South Africa, West Indies, and two qualifiers, setting the stage for a highly competitive title defence. The absence of Eden Carson will undoubtedly test the squad depth and spin resources as they aim to retain their world champion status.
While the loss of a bowler of Carson’s calibre is a blow, the White Ferns can take solace in the young spinner’s promising future and the team’s depth. The focus now shifts to the careful management of her recovery to ensure she returns stronger for upcoming challenges on the international stage.
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