The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

Media Caption: Healy Guides Historic Pursuit as Australia Defeat India

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

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has achieved everything.

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The fact it required until 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 the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batters to maintain a record if not afforded the chance.

Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 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 latest epic knock topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was much more difficult to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock 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 training, it's been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the contest."

Media Caption: 'Excellent' Healy Hits 142 to Help Australia Achieve Historic Pursuit

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, fallen to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

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

"An opportunity to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was removed her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

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

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

That comment will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this triumph coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

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

But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain 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.

Joseph Garcia
Joseph Garcia

A travel enthusiast and lifestyle writer who shares personal stories and tips from adventures across Canada and beyond.