By her own admission Australia's top-ranked keeper has been in cruise control at state and Big Bash level over the past few seasons, and Healy hopes pressure to keep her spot throughout the forthcoming tournament will be the catalyst to take her already impressive game to another level.

Australia continued their preparation for the tournament early on Wednesday morning with a 103-run win over South Africa at Oakham, where Ellyse Villani's hundred ensured Healy's side built on last week's warm-up victory over New Zealand.

The Australians play Pakistan in a final practice match on Thursday before opening their World Cup against West Indies on Monday in Taunton.

All eight teams will play each other in the group stage this year before the top four advance to the finals, and Healy wasn't interested in the possibility of being rested for Mooney at any stage during the competition.

"I bloody hope I play all seven [group games] – hopefully my body will be in good enough nick to be able to do that," Healy said.

"I've got to perform really well in a couple of games leading up to that and make sure that position really is mine. I know that Moons [Mooney] is breathing down my neck somewhere there.

"It's actually a really nice feeling. Even at the NSW level I've just floated along the last few years, no one's really been behind pushing me.

"For me I'm just using it as a real motivator and I think sure it puts a little bit of pressure on me but at the same time I really enjoy that.

"That's when I get really competitive. For me, I'll use it as a motivator and make sure I'm doing everything I can to hold onto that spot and hopefully contribute to a World Cup win.

"It's a tough schedule. This is the first World Cup I've been a part of where we play every team.

"Normally we're in two pools. I think it's a great format this year. If you walk away with the trophy on July 23rd, you know that you're the best team out there because you have to beat everybody before that final."

Mooney has emerged as a strong option with the willow over the past few seasons, and could well see plenty of game time alongside Healy as a specialist batter.

Healy has also had a strong recent run and was instrumental in leading the Sydney Sixers to Women's Big Bash League success over the summer, and the NSW Breakers to yet another WNCL title.

Australia are chasing a record seventh World Cup triumph in England, but the emergence of South Africa, West Indies and India in recent years are set to make this the most difficult assignment yet for the traditional "Big Three" of women's cricket in Australia, New Zealand and England.

"This will be the closest World Cup that I've been a part of," Healy said.

"That ICC Women's Championship really opens all the teams' eyes to one another, and it's put a few teams closer than probably what they thought they were to what's always been the top three [Australia, England and New Zealand].

"In my mind I think it's going to be a real battle, and a real test of strength for that seven games that you've got before the semi-finals.

"England are always going to be strong at home but I think a dangerous side like South Africa might have a few upsets in there and could potentially knock a few of the big teams out if they're not careful."

The inaugural ICC Women's Championship was a three-year, eight-team round-robin to determine World Cup qualification.

Australia, England, New Zealand and West Indies finished in the top four and went straight through to the tournament, while the bottom four teams all secured their place through the World Cup qualifiers against six other nations earlier this year.