Carson to miss WC after elbow surgery

Eden Carson. PHOTO: ODT FILES
Eden Carson. PHOTO: ODT FILES
White Ferns and Otago offspinner Eden Carson had surgery on her right elbow yesterday and is expected to be sidelined for six months.

Carson sustained a partial ligament rupture in her elbow during the team’s training camp in Dubai ahead of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, and managed the injury throughout the tournament.

The recovery timeline from the operation she opted for means that she will not be available for the remainder of the home summer, nor the White Ferns’ title defence at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

She will also miss the domestic season for the Otago Sparks.

With the injury affecting her bowling arm, White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer said they opted for surgery now to prioritise her long-term future.

"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."

The White Ferns will host Zimbabwe in February and March 2026 for three T20Is and three ODIs across Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin. — Allied Media