Opener Rohit Sharma smashed an unbeaten 171 to power India to 309 for three wickets against Australia in the first of the five-match one-day international series in Perth on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old right-hander, whose 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest individual score in the 50-over format, hit 13 fours and seven sixes to set the hosts a steep target at the WACA ground.

India lost Shikhar Dhawan (nine) early after winning the toss and opting to bat but Rohit and test captain Virat Kohli (91) set up the platform for a late flourish with a 207-run stand for the second wicket.

Rohit, the only cricketer with two double centuries in this format, went past the three-figure mark off 122 deliveries with a dab to third man against debutant fast bowler Joel Paris.

Rohit's 163-ball knock was the highest score by a visiting batsman against Australia, overtaking West Indies batting great Viv Richards' unbeaten 153 in 1979 in Melbourne.

Kohli fell in unselfish manner trying to score quickly for his team and was out caught close to the boundary rope by Aaron Finch off paceman James Faulkner, who finished with figures of 2-60 in his 10 overs.

Paceman Scott Boland made a forgettable debut for Australia as he gave away 74 runs in his 10 overs while Paris also went wicketless, conceding 53 in his eight.

India handed a first international cap to 23-year-old left-arm paceman Barinder Sran.