As the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 kicks off, teams will be looking to their experienced campaigners to lead them to glory. This edition is particularly notable for featuring several key players making returns from injuries that kept them off the field for extended periods. Their recovery journey, fitness tests, and form in lead-up games add important storylines to the tournament, with selectors trusting these athletes to shine on the global stage. From Australia’s spin stars to veteran pacers from Sri Lanka, these players are primed to make an impact after overcoming setbacks.
Here is a closer look at eight prominent players making notable injury comebacks for the tournament.
1. Sophie Molineux (Australia)
Sophie Molineux is one of the most anticipated returnees at the World Cup. The left-arm spinner underwent knee surgery in early 2025, having been sidelined since late 2024. Despite nearly nine months out, she will make her ODI World Cup debut directly at the tournament, skipping the warm-up series against India. Molineux has played 13 ODIs before her injury, capturing 23 wickets at a commendable average of 14.39 and economy of 3.29. Her presence alongside Georgia Wareham strengthens Australia’s spin attack crucial for their title defense.
2. Alyssa Healy (Australia)
Alyssa Healy has played 115 Women’s ODIs, scoring 3,198 runs at an average of about 34.76. She has made 5 centuries and 18 half-centuries in the format, with her highest score being an impressive 170. Healy, wicketkeeper-opener and team captain, returned from a stubborn foot injury just months before the World Cup. She has already shown signs of strong form by scoring an unbeaten 137 off 85 balls in ‘A’ team matches against India A. Healy’s return is vital as she brings leadership, explosive batting, and sharp glovework, making Australia a formidable side.
3. Georgia Wareham (Australia)
Georgia Wareham is an Australian leg-spinner and all-rounder who has played 42 Women’s ODIs. In these matches, she has scored 234 runs at an average of about 33.42 with a striking rate over 111, and has taken 45 wickets at a bowling average of around 26.24. Wareham is valued for her effectiveness with both ball and bat, contributing key wickets and useful lower-order runs for Australia. Wareham, has fought back from multiple ACL injuries in recent years. She withdrew early from The Hundred due to an adductor injury but is now back to full training and included in the World Cup squad. Wareham’s resilience and spin skills will complement Molineux in Australia’s plans.
4. Heather Knight (England)
Heather Knight is an accomplished English cricketer who has played 149 Women’s ODIs, scoring 4,037 runs at an average of about 35.10. She has hit 2 centuries and 26 half-centuries, with a top score of 106. Knight is also an off-spin bowler, having taken 56 wickets in ODIs at an average of around 24.91, showcasing her all-round capabilities. She has captained England and is known for her consistency and leadership in the format. Knight missed significant cricket in the domestic season due to a serious hamstring injury. Despite this, England’s medical and coaching staff are optimistic she will recover fully in time for the World Cup. Knight’s calm presence can provide stability and experience in England’s middle order as they look to challenge for the title.
5. Renuka Singh (India)
Renuka Singh Thakur is an impactful right-arm medium-fast bowler for India who has played 19 Women’s ODIs. She has taken 35 wickets at a strong bowling average of about 22.03 and an economy rate near 4.85, with a best bowling figure of 5/29. Singh is considered a rising and leading wicket-taker in India’s bowling attack. Singh, had been managing a niggling injury in the lead-up to the World Cup. However, she made a strong comeback by playing through pre-tournament series and training sessions. Renuka has been instrumental in India’s bowling attack and is expected to be match-fit and ready for the demands of the tournament.
6. Sadaf Shamas (Pakistan)
Sadaf Shamas is a right-handed batter for Pakistan who has played 15 Women’s ODIs. She has scored 262 runs at an average of 20.15, with a highest score of 72 and has shown a decent strike rate around 55. She made her ODI debut in November 2022 and has quickly established herself as a top-order batter for Pakistan. Shamas, is back from a minor injury that troubled her during the Pakistan Super League season. While she hasn’t featured in many international matches recently, her inclusion signals Pakistan’s faith in her potential and fitness for the World Cup stage.
7. Udeshika Prabodhani (Sri Lanka)
Udeshika Prabodhani is a Sri Lankan right-arm medium-fast bowler who has played 70 Women’s ODIs. She has taken 36 wickets at a bowling average of around 49.52 and an economy rate of 4.24, with a best bowling figure of 3/35. With the bat, she has scored modestly, accumulating 216 runs with a top score of 21. Prabodhani is primarily valued for her bowling contributions as a bowling all-rounder for Sri Lanka. She marks a significant return for Sri Lanka after nearly a year out with a persistent hamstring injury. The veteran left-arm seamer last played an ODI in August 2024 and spent much of the past year on the sidelines. Her comeback adds vital experience to Sri Lanka’s pace lineup, bolstering their chances as they begin their campaign against hosts India.
8. Georgia Plimmer (New Zealand)
Georgia Plimmer is a promising right-handed batter for New Zealand who has played 24 Women’s ODIs. She has scored 396 runs at an average of 22 with a highest score of 112. Plimmer has worked her way back after sustaining a soft tissue injury a few months ago. Although she has not played extensive lead-up matches, New Zealand’s management is confident of her fitness and potential impact in the World Cup as a dynamic middle-order option.
This group of players demonstrates resilience and determination, and their return adds compelling narratives to what promises to be an exciting tournament. Fans will be watching closely to see how their injury comebacks translate to performances on cricket’s biggest stage.
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