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

Media Caption: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as The Aussies Defeat India

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's difficult for their batsmen to maintain a record if not afforded the possibility.

In the end, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven global championships have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this knock was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it seemed I lacked timing completely," said Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the match."

Media Caption: 'Excellent' Healy Scores 142 to Aid Australia Complete Record Run Chase

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from that point Healy was underway.

"A chance to take the field and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

Once she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we are confident we can do it."

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

In recent days a belief they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated through the pain.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have delayed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.

Roberta Jones
Roberta Jones

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