Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

Video Description: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as Australia Overcome India

It's tough for Australia to break new ground.

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a side that has accomplished all there is.

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It needed as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the opportunity.

Ultimately, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her bow and seven global championships have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

Whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort is debatable.

Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was much more difficult to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing at all," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts activate and you completely engage with the competition."

Video Description: 'Brilliant' Healy Scores 142 to Aid Australia Accomplish Unprecedented Chase

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the right-hander was on her way.

"The possibility to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

By the time she was removed the team needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."

These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this success succeeding victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have delayed plans to retire, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.

Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas

Sophie van der Meer is a certified nutritionist and wellness coach with over a decade of experience in holistic health.