Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are what's still available for a squad that has achieved everything.

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It needed up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their batters to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.

Finally, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a chance to create her most recent brilliance.

Then best known 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 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 came three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the successful run.

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

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

The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

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

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because I feel like my form was missing completely," stated Healy.

"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but here that only provided Healy's motivation.

A single came off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was underway.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

Once she was out the team needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if we do, we are confident we can succeed."

That comment will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup need to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played despite the injury.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.

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