Australia Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

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

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and once went nearly four 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 up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the possibility.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a platform to produce her newest gem.

Then best known as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort is debatable.

Certain people claim the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was far harder to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing completely," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the match."

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

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was underway.

"The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was removed Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can do it."

These statements will be the last rival teams at this championship want to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success coming after win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she later said she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.

Damon Mcmahon
Damon Mcmahon

Lena Visser is a tech journalist and strategist with a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and society.