• Source:JND
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ICC Women's World Cup: Defending champions Australia have suffered a setback in their preparations and prospects of winning a record-extending eighth trophy for the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup, as all-rounder Grace Harris has been ruled out of the tournament due to a calf strain.

According to media reports, all-rounder Heather Graham has been added to the squad as a replacement for big-hitting Harris for the tournament starting in Guwahati on September 30. India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the tournament.

Harris injured her calf while fielding in the final ODI of the three-match series against India in Delhi on Saturday. Harris played only one match in the just-concluded series, having received a call-up after Annabel Sutherland was ruled out with hip soreness.

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Australia are beginning their World Cup campaign on October 1 against New Zealand.

Harris was not a sure-shot starter in Australia's XI, but with the side facing a few injury issues, she may have played a part in the tournament. Phoebe Litchfield missed the last two matches of the ODI series against India with a quad issue, while Darcie Brown suffered back spasms.

Sophie Molineux was unavailable for the entire series after coming off her knee injury.

The 28-year-old Graham has played one ODI and five T20Is for Australia, with her last outing in the international arena being the match against New Zealand in September last year.

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The fast-bowling all-rounder has taken nine wickets in the six international matches she has been part of. Australia will play a warm-up fixture against England on September 28.

(With Agency Inputs)