Pity the team that strikes Matthew Hayden when he feels at the top of his game and is cricket-ready.

The Australian opener blasted a superb, unbeaten 183 on day one of the first Test against Zimbabwe at the WACA to spearhead Australia to a commanding 3-372 at stumps.

Never troubled, Hayden scored his sixth century from the past 12 Tests and when he got there, took his game to a new level by plundering 107 in the final session.

His complete dominance left Zimbabwe ruing its decision to send Australia in on a pitch that gave little assistance and against a pedestrian attack.

Hayden and captain Steve Waugh (61 not out) put on 173 to underline the gulf in class between the world champions and minnows.

Waugh paid a public tribute to the Australian victims of the Bali bombings by wearing an embroidered black armband bearing the message "Bali Oct 12 2002 United Forever", which was given to him by a survivor.

Hayden hit 23 fours, three sixes and a five - courtesy of four overthrows - and after a subdued acknowledgement of his 15th Test century, accelerated to such an extent he thought he was a chance of reaching 200 by the end of the day.

"I did towards the end, yeah," he said.

"From 100 on I was really starting to feel good then and the next 50 seemed like it came up in a couple of minutes."

Remarkably, Hayden batted in a vest all day because he felt cold despite 30 degree heat as he coped with the early start to the season.

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