The defending champions Australia have been dealt a major setback just days before the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, as star all-rounder Grace Harris has been ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury. The 13th edition of the Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, kicks off on September 30, with Australia beginning their campaign against New Zealand on October 1 in Indore.
Harris sustained the injury while fielding during the third ODI against India in Delhi on September 20. She was drafted into the XI in place of Annabel Sutherland, who herself was sidelined with a hip issue. Unfortunately, while Australia sealed a 2-1 series win, Harris pulled her calf and is expected to require a significant recovery period, ruling her out of the entire tournament.
For Harris, it is another missed opportunity at the World Cup stage. She was part of the victorious 2022 World Cup squad, but did not play a single game then. This year, she was seen as a valuable impact player, capable of striking big in the lower order and providing handy off-spin.
With Harris ruled out, 28-year-old all-rounder Heather Graham has been drafted into the squad. Graham, who plays domestic cricket for Western Australia, will join the team in India after completing her National Cricket League commitments.
Known for her medium-pace bowling and ability to contribute quick runs down the order, Graham has represented Australia in one ODI and five T20Is, taking nine wickets across formats. She last played an ODI back in 2019, making this a big comeback opportunity.
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Australia Struggle With Injuries Ahead of World Cup
Harris’s absence adds to Australia’s growing list of injury concerns.
- Phoebe Litchfield missed the last two ODIs against India with a quad issue.
- Darcie Brown has been managing a back problem.
- Sophie Molineux is still recovering from a long-term knee injury.
- Captain Alyssa Healy, all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, and spinner Georgia Wareham have all recently returned from injuries of their own.
Despite these hurdles, Australia will rely on its experienced core of Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, and Ashleigh Gardner to mount a strong title defense.
Updated Australia Women’s World Cup 2025 Squad
- Alyssa Healy (captain)
- Beth Mooney
- Ellyse Perry
- Tahlia McGrath
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Darcie Brown
- Kim Garth
- Heather Graham
- Alana King
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Sophie Molineux
- Megan Schutt
- Annabel Sutherland
- Georgia Voll
- Georgia Wareham
Australia, winners of a record seven World Cup titles, will aim for an unprecedented eighth crown in 2025. But the loss of Grace Harris, just a week before the tournament, forces them to rethink their strategy and test their bench strength. All eyes will now be on Heather Graham to see if she can seize this golden chance and make an impact on the world stage.
