Glenn Maxwell’s oft-quoted reputation for having an “x-factor” has helped the allrounder win a recall for Thursday’s second Test against Pakistan.

Maxwell has a Test batting average of 9.75 in two matches on the 2013 India tour, although the right-hander did score two centuries for Victoria at Sheffield Shield level last summer.

Australia lost the toss on Thursday and Pakistan chose to bat on a good batting track.

Maxwell has been named at No.3 in Australia’s batting order, replacing Alex Doolan.

Tasmania’s Doolan has been axed after scoring a duck and five in last week’s 221-run loss in the Dubai Test.

NSW left-arm quick Mitchell Starc has been recalled for NSW spinner Steve O’Keefe who claimed a team-high four wickets in Dubai on debut.

Maxwell is set to partner Nathan Lyon as Australia’s two frontline spinners, while the return of Starc gives Australia an extra pace bowler alongside Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle.

However Maxwell faces pressure to get runs in Australia’s top-order batting.

“Maxwell in for Doolan, which is a tough call on Alex,” Australia’s coach and selector Darren Lehmann said on Thursday.

“We think Glenn’s got a bit of x-factor about him and plays spin quite well so we’ve decided to go down that path.

“Alex has been good in a few Test matches for us. Struggled in the first Test match as we know.

“But we’ve got to pick a side that we think is going to get 20 wickets and be proactive in our scoring and give us a chance to win the game.”

Lehmann said he felt O’Keefe did a really good job on debut.

“But we think the left-arm quick with the reverse (swing) here and the conditions might be a better factor for us,” Lehmann said.

The return of big-hitting Maxwell follows comments from Lehmann and skipper Michael Clarke calling on Australia’s batsmen to be more attacking and positive against Pakistan’s spinners Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar.

Australia team: Michael Clarke (capt), Chris Rogers, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.