Australia has been dealt a significant blow just before the Women’s ODI World Cup, with all-rounder Grace Harris sidelined from the tournament due to a calf injury. Harris sustained the strain while fielding during the third One-Day International against India in Delhi last Saturday.
She had only played one match in the series, initially stepping in as a replacement after Annabel Sutherland was ruled out with hip soreness.
In response to Harris’s absence, Cricket Australia has called up Western Australia’s Heather Graham to join the squad. The 28-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder has previously represented the national team in one ODI and five T20Is, with her last appearance dating back to September 2024 against New Zealand, where she took nine wickets across those matches.
While Grace Harris wasn’t a guaranteed starter in Australia’s primary playing XI, her unavailability exacerbates the team’s growing injury concerns. Batter Phoebe Litchfield missed the final two ODIs against India due to a quad issue, and fast bowler Darcie Brown was also forced out of the same series with back spasms. Additionally, spinner Sophie Molineux remains unavailable as she continues her recovery from a knee injury.
The defending champions are determined to secure their eighth World Cup title, but their preparations have been far from ideal. Their campaign is set to kick off against New Zealand on October 1, following a warm-up match against England on September 28 in Guwahati.
The tournament itself, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will commence on September 30, with the opening fixture seeing India take on Sri Lanka in Guwahati.