Australia suffered an injury setback ahead of the Women’s ODI World Cup as all-rounder Grace Harris was ruled out with a calf strain. Western Australia’s Heather Graham has been named as her replacement for the tournament, starting September 30 in Guwahati.
Harris injured during India series
Harris picked up the injury while fielding in the final ODI against India in Delhi on Saturday, her only appearance in the series. The 31-year-old was not a guaranteed starter in Australia’s XI but was seen as a vital back-up option, particularly for her big-hitting role in the lower order.
Her absence adds to Australia’s growing injury concerns. Annabel Sutherland is managing hip soreness, Phoebe Litchfield missed matches with a quad issue, while Darcie Brown has struggled with back spasms. Skipper Alyssa Healy (foot) and Georgia Wareham (groin) are also returning from recent layoffs.
Graham earns World Cup call-up
Heather Graham, 28, comes into the squad as cover. The all-rounder has just one ODI appearance for Australia back in 2019 but has featured regularly in squads and has five T20I caps, with her last international outing coming in September 2024.
Her inclusion gives the defending champions another seam-bowling all-rounder option as they chase a record-extending eighth World Cup title.
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