The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.
It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.
The highest peaks have long been mastered.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.
The secondary achievements, those for the achievement hunters, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.
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It needed as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, regaining their record for the largest 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's challenging for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the chance.
Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her latest masterpiece.
Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.
Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 attempts across formats.
The tough gloveman was present as well 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 commented earlier.
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.
Whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.
Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.
What's clear is this ton was considerably tougher to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"If you've observed me in training, it has been a disappointing period because I feel like I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the match."
Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.
She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, fallen to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.
One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was in motion.
"The possibility to go out there and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," 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 big hits.
When she was dismissed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.
"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.
"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can do it."
That comment will be the last rival teams at this World Cup should hear.
In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.
Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in 10 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 shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.
Yet even as she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.
Success in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.