Test hopeful Steve O'Keefe has claimed a wicket in the post-lunch session on day one of the four-day game against Pakistan A.
At tea the home team were 4-170 with captain Asad Shafiq on 41 and Haris Sohail 14 not out.
Although the match is not a first-class fixture and Australia are able to use 15 players in the game, Australia named an 11 plus pace bowler Ben Hilfenhaus as a "playing" 12th man.
The lineup is a possible side for the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai starting on October 22 and includes the uncapped O'Keefe as a spin partner for offie Nathan Lyon, with uncapped allrounder Mitchell Marsh at No.6.
Pakistan A won the toss in hot conditions on Wednesday and chose to bat.
Pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson struck in the third over when Shan Masood was caught behind for six .
Peter Siddle also made a breakthrough in the following over to remove Israr Ullah caught at third slip for five.
The home side reached 2-87 at lunch before Australia hit back with two key wickets.
Test opener Ahmed Shehzad on 55 played a short ball from Hilfenhaus onto his stumps at 3-98.
And Babar Azam (40) advanced down the pitch against left-arm spinner O'Keefe and was caught at mid-on at 4-123.
O'Keefe has been threatening at times, taking 1-35 off 16 overs. Hilfenhaus was brought into the attack after lunch and has 1-20 off nine overs.
Tasmania's swing specialist Hilfenhaus could be vying for a Test spot with Victoria's Siddle (1-32 off 10).
Pace bowler Marsh's performance will be of great interest after the big West Australian strained a hamstring on September 30. Marsh is expected to bowl in Pakistan A's second innings.
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