Nathan Lyon has laid the platform for a prosperous Test series against Pakistan, equalling a career-high eight-wicket haul in Australia's tour match in the United Arab Emirates.
Lyon, Australia's greatest off-spinner, claimed 8-103 off 39.4 overs and bowled more than a third of the tourists' overs in searing 40-degree heat as Pakistan A was bowled out for 278 early on day two at the International Cricket Council's Academy in Dubai.
Ahead of next weekend's opening Test in Dubai, Lyon's haul equalled, in terms of wickets, his 8-50 against India in Bengaluru last year – the best performance by a touring bowler in India.
He had claimed five wickets on day one against Pakistan A, his first five-wicket haul outside of the Test arena coming through concoctions of spin, bounce and pushing the ball through. The host team resumed on Sunday on 6-247.
Nathan Lyon took five of Australia’s six wickets.
Spearhead Mitchell Starc and Victorian left-arm finger spinner Jon Holland each claimed a wicket although paceman Michael Neser also bowled well on a day one, with the tourists spilling three chances.
"Decent conditions to have a first-day hit out, pretty happy with the way all the bowlers bowled," Lyon said.
"I thought Jon Holland worked really well, bowled well in partnerships. We had good conversations, open conversations. We just really tried to nail it down to basics and tried to keep it simple.
"A lot of guys can come over here and complicate things in the subcontinent. From my past experiences, that's one big message (I've learnt)."
Veteran batsman Abid Ali, who finished undefeated on 83 after day one, had added only two to his overnight score before he became the fourth batsman caught behind by skipper Tim Paine off Lyon. Opening batsman Sami Aslam (51) was the only other local to at least make a half-century.
Lyon claimed only three wickets in two Tests against Pakistan in the UAE four years ago but he has mastered the sub-continent over the past year, claiming a combined 41 wickets in six Tests in India and Bangladesh. His success, in part, is due to dissecting the performances of Indian spin star Ravi Ashwin.
"I'm definitely confident, the ball is coming out of my hand beautifully at the moment," Lyon said.
"I've really worked hard over the last 24 months, a little bit more now on my sub-continent game."
At lunch on day two, Australia was 0-46, with Aaron Finch unbeaten on 32 (five boundaries) and Usman Khawaja 13 not out. Khawaja had been preferred at the top of the order ahead of Matthew Renshaw.
This is Australia's only warm-up clash ahead of the first Test, beginning next Sunday. That the tourists have selected the uncapped Finch, Travis Head and Neser suggests the trio will make their Test debuts at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Speaking before the tour match, Paine confirmed Finch and middle-order batsman Head were all but guaranteed of being given a baggy green.
"There's two guys who are in line for their Test debuts which is really exciting for them. There's a tour game to play first and it's important we do that really well," he said.
"There are certainly still spots up for grabs (but) I wouldn't say there's a heap. You can look at that team and say it's pretty close to what we'll go with in the Test team. But nothing is certain at this stage. A lot can happen in four days, there's opportunities for guys to impress."
Under coach Justin Langer, the tourists are also using their opening match to help alter their mindset.
"We've just spoken about little ways we can changes. Traditionally Australian teams have been aggressive and tried to take the game to the opposition," Paine said.
"Over here in particular, you've got to be really patient and try to stay in the game for as long as you can. We know the first three days here can move really slowly, the pitches are generally flat and then the last few days it can start to spin and reverse, games at the back end move really quickly. It's about us being really patient, really disciplined.
"'JL' (Langer) spoke about leaving our egos at home, particularly as a batting group and being prepared to bat for a long long time. If we can do that we can have some success."
Australia XI: Tim Paine (c, wk), Aaron Finch, Matthew Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland
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