Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq says the Abu Dhabi pitch for Thursday’s second Test suits his side.

Australia are attempting to claw their way back into the two-Test series with victory in Abu Dhabi after losing by 221 runs in Dubai last week.  

Pakistan’s spinners Zulifqar Babar and Yasir Shah who was on debut claimed seven wickets each in Dubai.

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After Australia’s spinners Steve O’Keefe (4-219) and Nathan Lyon (2-220) failed to have a big impact in Dubai, Lyon could be under pressure from offspinning allrounder Glenn Maxwell to hold his place in the side for the second Test.

Australia have won one of their 14 Tests in Asia since legspin great Shane Warne’s retirement in January 2007 and Pakistan have won seven and lost only two of their 14 “home” Tests in the United Arab Emirates since 2009.

The Abu Dhabi pitch looks dry and flat and likely to produce big scores.

Pakistan’s record in five Tests at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium is two wins and three draws.

“It looks good and if we look at our strength then it looks good for us because we have a really good record here,” Misbah told a media conference on Wednesday when asked about the pitch.

Misbah also suggested Pakistan would continue to “sit on” Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson, who took 3-73 off 43 overs in Dubai.

“The key when you are playing against any team if you just see off the main bowler without giving them enough wickets,” Misbah said.

“Then half the job is done. That’s normally what all the teams do and if they have other bowlers also so we have plan for them as well.”

Australia can’t hope to be competitive when No.3 Alex Doolan and No.4 Michael Clarke score five runs each in a Test match as they did in Dubai.

Skipper Clarke is urging his batsmen to play positively against Pakistan’s spinners.

Having lost the toss in Dubai on a good batting track, Clarke is hoping for a better outcome on that front on Thursday.

“In these conditions batting first certainly has its advantages,” Clarke said.

“If I can say a few prayers and that helps me win the toss then that’s what I’ll do.”