A seasoned veteran in a team bursting with new faces, Peter Siddle might have been the most excited person in Australia’s dressing rooms as he prepared to mark his long-awaited Test recall.

The 33-year-old on Sunday ended a two-year Test exodus with a dogged performance in punishing conditions on day one of the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai.

With the temperature nudging 39C and the road-like pitch offering little assistance, Siddle reinforced his workhorse reputation and was rewarded with the key wicket of century-maker Mohammad Hafeez in the final session.

The hosts remained in control at 3-255 at stumps but Siddle’s near-flawless final spell of 1-4 off five overs proved crucial in helping to keep Australia in the hunt.

Recalled spinner Jon Holland claimed the late scalp of Pakistan danger man Azhar Ali to half the hosts’ dominance in the first Test.

The key wicket in the fourth-last over on Sunday left Pakistan with Haris Sohail (15) and nightwatchman Mohammad Abbas (one) at stumps at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Siddle’s return to Test cricket comes almost 10 years to the day since he departed for India for his first tour with Australia, and he relished seeing Aaron Finch, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne make their debuts.

“To see these young boys getting presented their caps and the excitement they had in the lead-up, it’s been exciting for me not just being around the group but seeing them up and about and getting another opportunity,” Siddle said.

I’ve always dreamed of playing for Australia again in the last few years, but I’ve concentrated on just performing wherever I played.

“Today was a nice reward for the time I’ve put in off the park and all the other teams I’ve played for in the last 18 months, to get back out there and pull on the baggy green, and walk out there with those three guys starting their journey.”

Returning to the venue where he plundered 302 not out against West Indies in 2016, Azhar had loomed as a major threat after Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat on a road of a pitch.

But he inexplicably threw away his wicket on 18, badly mistiming an attempt to hit a Holland delivery over the boundary and holing out to a diving Mitchell Starc at mid-off.

Openers Mohammad Hazeef (126) and Imam-ul-Haq (76) earlier combined for a 205-run stand to leave the hosts in a commanding position.

Pakistan went to tea at 0-199 but their scoring slowed to a crawl after Nathan Lyon broke the drought in the second over of the final session, luring Imam (76) into a false shot with the faint edge well held by Tim Paine behind the stumps.

A proven performer in English conditions, Siddle is certain to also be considered for next year’s Ashes series should his body continue to hold up.

Former Test wicketkeeper and Australian fielding coach Brad Haddin said his ex-teammate had brought great energy to the group.

“I think the guys can take a lot from Sidds – the way he holds himself, the way he prepares for cricket games and especially Test match cricket,” Haddin said.

“He’s been out from the Test arena for a long time now and for someone who’s played 60 Tests and got 200 wickets, it’s great just to show the guys how much it means to him to be back.”

-AAP