\n<\/p>\n
That it took until Sunday’s three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the highest in the women’s 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow (OK, Australia gold) over the past 50 years.<\/p>\n
It is hard for their batters to hold a record if never given the chance.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.<\/p>\n
Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation 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.<\/p>\n
A T20 World Cup win came three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.<\/p>\n
The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.<\/p>\n
That loss “drove us to rethink our standards,” Healy said this week. <\/p>\n
At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.<\/p>\n
Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated. <\/p>\n
Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.<\/p>\n
What is certain is this century was far harder to see coming. <\/p>\n
The Christchurch carnage 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 failed to pass 30.<\/p>\n
“If you’ve been watching me in the nets, it’s been a frustrating experience because I feel like I’ve had no rhythm whatsoever,” said Healy.<\/p>\n
“But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the contest.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n