Aaron Finch has become the second Australian to score a World Cup century on home soil.
Finch joined David Boon, who reached the milestone during the 1992-93 tournament against the West Indies.
The 28-year-old punished England for dropping him in the first over of Saturday’s clash at the MCG.
Finch reached triple figures at his home ground in the 31st over, deftly finessing a full ball from Steven Finn to the fine-leg fence.
The 28-year-old, who needed only 102 balls to bring up the ton, skipped down the pitch and punched the air in celebration.
“It’s a little bit surreal and it’s taken time to sink in,” Finch said of his man-of-the-match knock.
“It’s a bit nervy being the first game of the tournament.
“It was a nice win – everyone contributed with bat and ball, or did something special in the field.”
Finch eventually fell in the 37th over, having plundered 135 runs off 128 balls.
The Victorian was apprehensive early and wouldn’t have brought up his sixth one-day international (ODI) ton if not for an unforgivable reprieve.
Finch, facing his second ball and yet to score, clipped a ball off his pads to Chris Woakes at square leg.
Woakes managed to get two hands to the head-high ball, but fumbled it.
“I thought I hit it nicely off the middle. You’re not allowed to put fielders there,” Finch laughed.
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It was notable particularly in the second innings that Australia were playing with more than the customary passion, grit and joy. When Mitch Marsh come on and started winkling out the middle order the game went up a notch : a good win that really was well played. Getting the captain out for 0 after he dismissed the respect required for Johnson's bowling recently was just a bonus. Australia may be coming together and peaking just at the right time. Good for them.