HOBART: Peter Forrest scored the first century of the tri one-day series to hoist Australia to 280 for six off their 50 overs against Sri Lanka at Bellerive Oval on Friday.
The newcomer, slotting comfortably into deposed Ricky Ponting's number three batting spot, hit 104 off 138 balls to steer Australia to an imposing total.
Sri Lanka will need to score a Hobart record to chase down Australia's total.
Forrest hit 10 fours and two sixes to take his tournament tally to 234 runs in four innings since his unexpected selection for the tri-series.
His hundred was his not only his first for Australia but also in any one-day match.
He brought up his century by dropping the ball into the off-side and darting for a quick single, before celebrating with fist-pumping jubilation.
He combined in a 154-run third-wicket partnership with skipper Michael Clarke (72) after the loss of openers Matthew Wade (5) and David Warner (7) for just 27 runs.
Forrest looked at ease against the Sri Lankan bowling before he was out in the 41st over holing out to deep cover off Angelo Mathews.
Clarke, in his first match back since hamstring-related trouble, struggled throughout with a stiff back in his 79-ball knock with five fours and two sixes.
The Australian skipper was out to a stunning catch by Thisara Perera in the 39th over for Mathews' second wicket of the innings.
David Hussey remained unbeaten on 40 off 28 balls and paceman Brett Lee 20 not out with Mike Hussey out five overs from the end of the innings to a crashing yorker from Lasith Malinga for 21 off 14 balls.
Australia, who won the toss, left out fit-again all-rounder Shane Watson and paceman Clint McKay, while the Sri Lankans, who were in second place in the tournament standings three points behind Australia, named an unchanged side.
