Justin Langer scored 250 as Australia compiled 551 for six on the second day of the fourth Ashes test against England.
England, who started their innings after tea was taken 19 minutes early, were 97 for three in reply at the close of play with captain Nasser Hussain on 17 and nightwatchman Richard Dawson yet to score.
Australia, who resumed at 356 for three with Langer on 146, piled on another 299 runs in two sessions before captain Steve Waugh, who made 77 including 15 boundaries, declared with debutant Martin Love unbeaten on 62.
Langer, who was dropped by Michael Vaughan on 223, became only the eighth Australian to reach 250 and the third to do so at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the first test match between Australia and England was played in 1877.
Australia have already retained the Ashes, winning the first three tests of the five-match series by comprehensive margins. Langer was finally caught by Andy Caddick in the gully from the bowling of off-spinner Richard Dawson in the 144th over of the innings after a 407-ball stay which lasted 22 minutes short of 10 hours.
The left-handed opener blasted 30 boundaries and one six in his 13th test century.