Australia continued their utter dominance of England by beginning the one-day international series with an Aaron Finch-inspired six-wicket victory in Melbourne.

The opening batsman became the first Victorian to hit an international hundred at the MCG in the 50-over format as the hosts comfortably chased down England's target of 269.

Gary Ballance had earlier scored his maiden one-day half-century on the way to top-scoring with 79 as Alastair Cook's side posted a reasonable total, to which Eoin Morgan also contributed 50.

Clint McKay was the pick of the Aussie bowlers, taking 3-44 including the wicket of the visiting skipper with the fourth ball of the match. The out-of-sorts Joe Root and Ballance also fell victim to the experienced seamer.

Jos Buttler added a quickfire 34 not out at the end of England's innings and Cook's men could have put themselves in a strong position had Ballance not shelled a simple catch when Finch was only on eight.

The home favourite went on to contribute heavily to a 163-run opening stand with David Warner, who was caught on the boundary by Ben Stokes off the bowling of Root for 65, and Shane Watson followed two balls later.

Australia's number three was bowled by Chris Jordan, playing just his second ODI, although Finch and Michael Clarke continued to take the game away from England with a blistering 73-run partnership.

Only a couple of late wickets made the margin of defeat slightly more respectable for the visitors as Finch skied a catch to Ballance, who made no mistake this time to send the match=winner back to the pavilion for a brilliant 121.

Cook took the catch of opposing skipper Clarke for 43 for Tim Bresnan's only wicket, but George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell saw Australia over the line with more than four overs to spare, leaving England still winless on their tour Down Under.