Exclusive Interview: Get to know the Rising Star of the White Ferns
Eden Carson, a young New Zealand off-spinner from Otago, has risen through the ranks in a very short time. Debuting just last year, that too in the Commonwealth games, the 21 year old has proved her mettle and has got a ticket to South Africa for the most anticipated event, the T20 World Cup. The aspiring off-spinner is eyeing to do well for her country in the mega-event along with her, as she calls it, ‘spinner’s club’.
Carson was offered a ‘surprise’ central contract from the New Zealand cricket governing body back in May last year. In a recent interview with ICA Sports correspondent, Sajeel, the Dunedin-born talked about her journey as a tweaker in the team. The right armer said that cricket is the sport she stuck throughout although she had interest in several other games as well, including hockey.
“I started off at a young age with my brother as we are the same age and quite into sports. My family really pushed us both into sports at a very young age. So then I took a liking to cricket and after that some other games, but I stuck with cricket throughout.”
Interestingly, the young turner started off as a medium pacer but then developed into an off-spinner.
“I developed into an off-spinner. I used to be a medium pacer, however, with my height I got told that I won’t go far.”
While replying to a question about what she thinks the reason for her success is, she added,
“Trying to stick to my plans along with sticking to what I can do best and what works well for me were the big reasons for my success throughout this season.”
Although she stayed wicketless in her debut match against South Africa in the Commonwealth games, the experience for Eden, as told by her, was ‘surreal’. Talking about her debut International match, Carson revealed that her heart had been racing the whole time,
“It was pretty surreal. Especially coming to play against a strong side like South Africa, I was quite nervous going into the game. My palms were sweating the whole time and then Sophie (Devine) said that you’re going to bowl the next over and I was so scared. Overall, I think it was good, being able to debut at the Commonwealth games was quite amazing. I don’t really have words to describe it but my heart was racing the whole time.”
The 21 year old spinner aims to do well for her team in the tourney. She said that she does not have any goals going into the tournament but she definitely wants to play havoc with Australia’s batting lineup, if she becomes the part of team matchups.
“I don’t think I actually have any goals as of yet. Hopefully I get to go on the pitch if I’m honest. I would love to play a few games. I would also love to be out to play against Australia but let’s see what the matchups are.”
The New Zealand women’s cricket team’s World cup journey will start on Friday where the team will meet the rivals, Australia, in what will definitely be an interesting contest to witness.
