Just over a week ahead of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025, defending champions Australia have dealt a huge blow. All-rounder Grace Harris has been ruled out of the tournament due to a calf strain she sustained while fielding in the third and final ODI of the series against India on September 20.
Harris had recently dismissed India opener Smriti Mandhana, stopping her rampant run in the run chase. She had scored 125 runs from just 63 balls.
Harris' replacement
Heather Graham has been named Harris' replacement for the mega event. She will join the side after representing Western Australia in two games in Australia's domestic One-Day tournament. She made her only ODI appearance nearly six years ago against Sri Lanka, taking one wicket. From five T20Is, she has eight wickets to her name.
Australia’s updated squad for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 -
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.
Healy confident ahead of mega event
Australia captain Alyssa Healy is confident of her team's preparation in the last few months. She said that the Australia A series and playing domestic cricket in England helped her prepare well.
“I think we’re in a great spot as a team; we’ve had some valuable time together as a group across multiple camps over the winter and I think everyone has enjoyed the chance to tailor their preparation through the Australia A series and domestic cricket in England,” she told the ICC.
Healy has struggled with injuries of late. She warmed up for the India tour before the series at home against India 'A'.
“For me personally, having the opportunity to play that ‘A’ series at home was huge, getting through six games of cricket in a short space of time was a big tick for me after coming back from injury,” she said.
Australia will play England in their warm-up game against England in Bengaluru on September 28. They will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on October 1.