Women's World Cup 2025: Grace Harris ruled out with calf injury, Heather Graham replaces

Published - 23 Sept 2025, 16:22 IST | Updated - 23 Sept 2025, 16:39 IST

The defending champions Australia Women have suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup 2025, with all-rounder Grace Harris ruled out of the tournament due to a calf strain. The global event is set to commence on September 30, with the Australian side opening the campaign against New Zealand on October 1.

Harris sustained the injury while fielding in the third ODI against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, which was her only appearance in the three-match series. She had been called into the squad as a replacement for Annabel Sutherland, who was sidelined with hip soreness.

The 12-cap ODI player has scored 16 runs from seven innings and taken 12 wickets, with best figures of 3/31. She will now be replaced by fellow all-rounder Heather Graham. The 28-year-old has represented Australia in one ODI and five T20Is, with her last international appearance coming against New Zealand in September 2024.

Australia’s squad has been hit by multiple injuries in recent weeks. Phoebe Litchfield missed the final two ODIs against India due to a quad issue, while Darcie Brown struggled with back spasms. Sophie Molineux has been unavailable for the series as she continues her rehabilitation following major knee surgery. Despite these challenges, captain Alyssa Healy and spinner Georgia Wareham managed to play all three ODIs against India, providing some stability to the side.

Ahead of their title defence, Australia will face England in a warm-up fixture on September 28. Harris’s absence, however, reduces Australia’s lower-order depth and all-round options, putting extra responsibility on players like Graham and Healy to deliver during the tournament.

Alyssa Healy (captain and wicketkeeper), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham