The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

Media Caption: Healy Leads Record Chase as Australia Overcome India

It's tough for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It is hard for their batters to possess a record if never given the opportunity.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to create her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven global championships have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was far harder to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a challenging time because it seemed I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the match."

Video Description: 'Excellent' Healy Hits 142 to Help Australia Complete Record Run Chase

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and from there Healy was underway.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was removed the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, should it happen, we believe we can succeed."

Those words will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a significant event.

So great is her will, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as skipper.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.

Joy Wiley
Joy Wiley

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK digital innovations and gaming culture.