Grace Margaret Harris, born on September 18, 1993, is a versatile Australian cricketer who has made a significant impact on the international and domestic cricket scenes. As an all-rounder, she is known for her right-handed batting and right-arm off-break bowling. Currently representing Queensland Fire in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) and Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Grace Harris has carved a name for herself in the world of cricket. This article explores her career highlights and contributions to the sport.
Early Beginnings and Family Ties
Grace Harris comes from a cricketing family, and her passion for the game was cultivated from an early age. Notably, her older sister, Laura Harris, is also a cricketer and a fellow Brisbane Heat player. The sisters share a deep love for the sport, and their partnership on the field has added an extra layer of excitement for fans.
Rising to International Prominence
In August 2015, Grace Harris made her international debut for the Australia women’s cricket team. Her entry into the national side marked the beginning of a promising international career. As an all-rounder, she brought a valuable combination of batting and bowling skills to the team, making her a versatile asset.
Early International Success
One of Grace Harris’s memorable moments came in December 2015 when she made an indelible mark on the inaugural season of the WBBL. During a match for Brisbane Heat against Sydney Sixers, she showcased her immense talent by scoring 103 runs from just 55 balls and also took four wickets. This extraordinary performance drew widespread attention to the WBBL and established Harris as a player to watch.
Continued International Journey
In January 2016, Grace Harris’s impressive performances earned her a spot in the national squad for Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is) against India Women. Her dedication and commitment to the sport were evident as she made her WODI debut against the India Women’s cricket team during the Australia-India series.
Record-Breaking Feats
Grace Harris’s association with Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League continued to yield remarkable results. In November 2018, she was named in Brisbane Heat’s squad for the 2018–19 WBBL season. On December 19, 2018, she etched her name in the record books by scoring the fastest century in the history of the WBBL, accomplishing this incredible feat in just 42 balls.
Domestic Brilliance
Beyond her international success, Grace Harris has also made significant contributions in domestic cricket. In December 2020, she achieved a remarkable feat by scoring two centuries in two consecutive days while representing Western Suburbs in the Queensland Premier Cricket league.
A Promising Future
In January 2022, Grace Harris received recognition once again when she was named in Australia’s A squad for their series against England A. These matches were played alongside the Women’s Ashes series, highlighting her consistent performance and potential. Later in the same month, she received another prestigious call-up to represent Australia in the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, signifying her importance on the international stage.
In May 2022, Grace Harris was named in Australia’s team for the cricket tournament at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, further cementing her status as a key player in the Australian cricket squad.
Embracing New Challenges
The year 2023 brought new opportunities as Grace Harris joined the inaugural season of the Indian Women’s Premier League, playing for UP Warriorz. Her participation in this league showcases her versatility and adaptability to different formats of the game.
A Test Debut on the Horizon
In March 2023, Grace Harris received another significant nod when she was named in Australia’s Test squad for the Ashes series in England. This presents a new challenge and an opportunity to shine in the longest format of the game.
In conclusion, Grace Margaret Harris’s cricketing journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, record-breaking performances, and a relentless commitment to the sport. As she continues to make her mark on the international and domestic cricket scenes, her versatility as an all-rounder and her unwavering dedication make her a valuable asset for Australia’s cricketing future. Grace Harris is a name to watch as she continues to contribute to the sport she loves and excels in every format of the game.
