When it comes to women’s cricket, no team has dominated the international stage quite like Australia. With multiple World Cup titles across both ODI and T20 formats, the Aussies have built a legacy of excellence backed by consistency, depth, and an unmatched winning mentality. From the experience of veterans like Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney to the rise of young talents such as Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll, Australia’s squad heading into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 looked as formidable as ever.
However, just days before the start of the tournament in India, the team has suffered a major setback. Dynamic all-rounder Grace Harris has been ruled out due to injury, forcing the defending champions to make a late change in their plans.
Injury ends Grace Harris’ World Cup dream
Harris sustained a calf strain during the third ODI against India in Delhi on Saturday, an encounter that saw the hosts win by 43 runs to clinch the series 2-1. Making her first ODI appearance since March 2024, Harris was eager to stamp her mark ahead of the World Cup. Unfortunately, her return was cut short as she limped off during the fielding innings.
Medical scans confirmed the injury, ruling her out of the tournament. Harris will now head back to Australia for rehabilitation, with her focus shifting towards recovering in time for the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) beginning November 9. Known for her explosive batting in the middle order and handy off-spin, Harris’ absence leaves a noticeable gap in Australia’s balance.
Replacement announced for Harris
To fill the void, Cricket Australia have called up Heather Graham as a replacement. The all-rounder will travel to India after featuring in Western Australia’s first two Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) games.
Graham has been part of Australia’s setup since 2019, offering seam bowling options along with useful batting contributions. While she has not been a regular starter, her domestic form has often kept her on the selectors’ radar. Her inclusion provides stability to the squad and ensures Australia retain their all-round depth heading into the World Cup.
World Cup preparations continue
Despite the injury setback, Australia will continue preparations with a scheduled warm-up clash against England on September 28 in Bengaluru. The defending champions will then begin their World Cup campaign on October 1 against New Zealand at Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Australia squad for Women’s World Cup 2025 (updated):
Alyssa Healy (c), 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
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
