Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

Media Caption: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as Australia Beat India

It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The top summits have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the record chasers, are what's still available for a side that has won it all.

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the possibility.

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy getting a chance to create her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven world titles have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

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

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship 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 come up short.

If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your fighting spirit take over and you just lock into the competition."

Video Description: 'Brilliant' Healy Hits 142 to Assist Australia Achieve Historic Pursuit

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

A single came off the opening delivery and from there Healy was in motion.

"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was dismissed her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we are confident we can succeed."

That comment will be the last rival teams at this tournament want to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this triumph succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they were eliminated from the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she later said she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

Yet even as she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as skipper.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.

Ashley Smith
Ashley Smith

Tech strategist and software architect with 15+ years of experience in building enterprise solutions.