Rachael Haynes has lauded Belinda Clark's "trailblazers" as her own side attempts to break their world record on Wednesday.
Australia's 110-run defeat of Sri Lanka on Monday in Brisbane was their 17th-straight one-day international victory.
That equalled the run of Clark's side between 1997-1999, which until now has stood as the longest in women's cricket in the 50-over format.
The teams play their third and final game at Allan Border Field on Wednesday, and Haynes, fresh off a maiden international century on Monday, is aware of the significance.
"I'm pretty sure not all of our team was alive back then, but that era and that generation of cricketer were so formidable," she said.
"They really created the standard of what's expected in this team."
Australia have been ruthless since their last ODI loss to England in Coffs Harbour almost exactly two years ago.
The vice-captain said that attitude was borne during Clark's time at the helm more than 20 years ago.
"If we get past that milestone it'll be a pretty wonderful achievement and not lost on us," Haynes said.
"They certainly laid a terrific foundation for us and I think about that all the time.
"They fought extremely hard ... they were certainly trailblazers and laid a fantastic path for us."
Haynes and her teammates will move into WBBL action immediately after the series finishes, with next March's T20 World Cup the ultimate goal.
She said players had taken it on themselves to return to their states and franchises, and find ways to improve.
"We're always pushing what we're capable of," she said.
Australian Associated Press
