Big blow for Australia as star all-rounder ruled out of Women’s World Cup 2025

Seasoned all-rounder Grace Harris has been ruled out of the Australia Women squad for the upcoming 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The 32-year-old suffered a calf injury while fielding during Australia’s series-deciding third ODI against India Women in Delhi last week.

Cricket Australia has named fellow all-rounder Heather Graham as a like-for-like replacement for Harris, as the team looks to defend their title and chase a record-extending crown in the subcontinent. Heather has been fast-tracked into the squad for the World Cup, making this her return to ODI cricket after a six-year gap.

Heather Graham has participated in just one ODI for Australia back in October 2019 during a home series against Sri Lanka in Brisbane. Although she has limited ODI experience, the 29-year-old remains a strong T20 player after honing her craft in the WBBL in Australia and in The Hundred in England. She was also part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise during the WPL 2025 season earlier this year.

Australia Eye Record Title Defense

Australia, winners of the 2022 Women’s World Cup, will kick off their campaign on October 1 against rivals New Zealand in Indore. Alyssa Healy, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, will be at the helm of the seven-time champions, together with Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, and Elyse Perry.

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With the selection of Heather Graham into the side, Australia aims to keep the balance of the group, and the hope is for a solid all-round performance during the tournament. The retention of the title is the team's focus as they adapt to the conditions in India and Sri Lanka.