MELBOURNE, Australia (AP):Opener Phil Hughes became the first Australian to score a century in his limited-overs international debut, making 112 to help the hosts to a 107-run victory against Sri Lanka in the series opener yesterday.

The understrength Australian side, featuring three top-order batsmen on debut under the leadership of stand-in captain George Bailey, posted 305 for five after winning the toss and batting at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Dinesh Chandimal scored 73 and Tillakaratne Dilshan posted 51 before the Sri Lankans were bowled out for 198 in reply, with Clint McKay taking 4-33, Mitch Johnson snaring 2-43 and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell running out two batsmen in one over.

The five-match series moves to Adelaide for the second ODI tomorrow.

After resurrecting his Test career during Australia's just-completed three-match clean sweep of Sri Lanka, Hughes set about establishing himself as an integral part of a new-look one-day team, reduced in strength by the retirement of Ricky Ponting and the decision to overlook Mike Hussey after he ended his Test career. Regular skipper Michael Clarke and opener David Warner were rested from the first two matches of the series, and vice-captain Shane Watson was injured.

"To get three figures on debut is a great feeling and one I'll never forget," said Hughes, who shared a partnership of 140 with Bailey (89) for the third wicket.

51 for the first wicket

The left-hander put on 51 for the first wicket with newcomer Aaron Finch, then had a short-lived partnership with Usman Khawaja, also on debut, who misjudged a run and was run out for 3 at 72-2.

The newcomers to the Australian team occupied the first three places in its batting line-up and Hughes, who also has three Test centuries to his credit, provided the foundation of its innings.

He reached his half century from 57 balls with seven fours and went on to his century from 123 balls in the 38th over. When he reached the mark, becoming the eighth player from all teams to make a century on one-day debut, Australia were 200-2 and he had scored exactly half of its total.

When Hughes hit a four to go from 93 to 97, he became the highest scorer on debut for Australia in one-day internationals. He showed sound technique and common-sense to move from 97 to 100 with three carefully placed singles.

Bailey's forceful 89 came from only 79 balls with eight fours and a six. He reached his half century from only 44 balls.

David Hussey closed out the innings with an outstanding half century in an unbeaten 57-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Brad Haddin, who made 10.