Australia’s one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan starts on Tuesday with Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore questioning Australia’s ability to handle the heat.

All games in the three-match series in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will start at 6pm (2400 AEST) to avoid the hottest part of the day, but the Australians found the humidity was also a massive problem in trying to grip the ball during their 66-run win over Afghanistan in Sharjah last weekend.

“Probably the most important thing for us is when bowling second, realise how much you’re sweating,” Australian captain Michael Clarke says.

“So we’ll combat that with guys wearing sweatbands, make sure there’s towels.”

Mitchell Starc, who took 4-47 against Afghanistan, says the humidity meant the quicks found the ball hard to control.

“It’s okay to say that they have had some experience in these conditions,” Whatmore said.

“A lot of the (Australian) boys have played in India, in the IPL. They’ve experienced the heat.

“(But) 50-over matches is a little bit different to 20-over games. It’ll be a test – there’s no question about the heat.”

Australian batsman Mike Hussey says the squad have prepared well – thanks to a pre-tour training camp in Darwin – and they’re fit and determined to improve their ODI ranking after slipping to fourth following their 4-0 series loss to England last month.

“I’ve played in Chennai, even in just Twenty20 games, and that’s a lot hotter than playing out here,” Hussey said on Monday.

“In Chennai, the temperature might be only mid-30s but the humidity is unbelievable. That’s probably the most oppressive conditions I’ve ever had to play in.

“Having said that, it’s still extremely tough (in Sharjah). I only batted for 15 overs the other day and I was pretty knackered by the end of it.”

Asked if Australia were as prepared as they could be for the Pakistan series, Hussey added: “It remains to be seen, I guess.

“We’ve won in places like India before,” he said.

“The last time we came here, we beat Pakistan in a one-day series as well.

“These conditions are very oppressive. But … the guys are in pretty good shape.

“We’re very determined. The guys have got a real sting in the tail after losing in England and we want to put in a very good performance.

“I don’t think we’ll be letting the heat be an excuse for any poor performance.”

Pakistan’s attack features spinners Mohammad Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi.