Australia have suffered a setback ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup with batter Grace Harris ruled out due to a calf strain. Western Australia allrounder Heather Graham has been drafted in as her replacement.
Harris sustained the injury while fielding in the final ODI of the three-match series against India in Delhi on Saturday. It was the only game she featured in during the tour, having been included when Annabel Sutherland was sidelined with hip soreness.
Although Harris was unlikely to start in Australia’s first-choice XI, she was considered a valuable squad member thanks to her power-hitting in the lower order. Her absence is significant as the defending champions are already managing multiple injury concerns. Sutherland’s hip problem comes on top of Phoebe Litchfield’s quad issue, which kept her out of the last two ODIs against India, while Darcie Brown missed matches due to back spasms.
The injury list has added further strain on Australia’s preparations. Sophie Molineux is still recovering from a serious knee injury and was unavailable for the India series. Georgia Wareham, returning from a groin and adductor strain, and skipper Alyssa Healy, coming back from a foot problem, both completed the series but remain under close watch.
Graham, 28, has played just one ODI for Australia back in 2019 but has been a regular member of extended squads. She last featured at the international level in September 2023, having represented Australia in five T20Is. Her call-up offers Australia additional depth with both bat and ball as they look to defend their crown at the World Cup.