Alyssa Healy has hailed Meg Lanning after the Australia skipper fought through the pain barrier to guide her side into the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup.
Lanning showcased all of her talent with a sparkling 76 not out against India on Wednesday despite battling a chronic shoulder injury that is receiving daily treatment from team physio Kate Mahony.
The 25-year-old's innings also saw her surpass 5,000 international runs and she needs just a single to reach the 3,000 mark in ODIs in only her 62nd appearance.
Lanning, who is ranked the No.1 batswoman in the world, has averaged a mind-boggling 109.33 from her five tournament innings so far.
She was forced to sit out the win against Pakistan last week due to her injury and looked to be bothered by it when batting in last Sunday's three-run defeat at the hands of England.
Despite that, she still managed to score 40 and her dismissal proved to be the turning point in the host nation's first victory over Australia in a World Cup match in 24 years.
Lanning struck a sumptuous 152 not out to beat Sri Lanka in Bristol last month and Healy said the unassuming Victorian is an inspiration to her players.
"She's a trooper," said wicketkeeper Healy.
"She's been doing unbelievably well for a fairly long period of time.
"She's our leader and it's nice to have her on the park.
"She can smack a 70-odd with one arm, unbelievable player. And hopefully we can get her through to the end of the World Cup."
India captain Mithali Raj broke Charlotte Edwards' ODI runs record against Australia on her way to becoming the first ever woman to break the 6000 mark.
The 34-year-old is a huge admirer of Lanning and said she expects to one day surrender her record to the talented right-hander.
"She's got all round shots," Raj said.
"With the form she is in, surely in another four or five years she should be breaking that record."
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