Australia’s cricket squad has taken a hit ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, as all-rounder Grace Harris has been ruled out due to a calf strain. She picked up the injury during a match against India. This unfortunate injury means she won’t get to play in her first ODI World Cup, which is a real disappointment.
Harris was part of the successful Australian team that won the World Cup in 2022, although she didn’t get to play in any of those matches. Recently, though, she had been showcasing her skills in white-ball cricket, particularly for Surrey in the T20 Blast. She scored 338 runs at an impressive strike rate of nearly 158. She also performed strongly in The Hundred tournament. Her aggressive batting style and capability with the ball, boasting 21 international wickets, means that her absence will certainly be felt in the lower order of the lineup.
To address this gap, Australia has brought in Heather Graham as Harris’s replacement. Graham is a fast-bowling all-rounder with some international experience under her belt and has recently been making waves in domestic leagues. Her inclusion adds another all-around option for the team, though this adjustment comes at a crucial time.
The updated squad now features Alyssa Healy (captain), 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, and Georgia Wareham.
With the tournament about to kick off in India and Sri Lanka, Harris’s injury presents a challenge for the Australian team as they work to defend their title. Her ability to hit big and add depth to the batting lineup was seen as a significant asset, especially in high-pressure situations. Now, the team will need to adapt and lean on their depth as they gear up for the World Cup.
