His hands were battered and bruised but Pakistan-born gloveman Saqlain Haider says filling in for Brad Haddin on Friday was a big day in his life.

The 27-year-old United Arab Emirates squad member and full-time bank clerk was called up to help out the touring team on day three of their four-day game against Pakistan A.

Haider impressed the Australians with a fine display including a sharp catch off the bowling of Test spinner Nathan Lyon in Sharjah.

But it was keeping to the quicks as Haddin took a day’s rest that provided Haider with the real memories — and challenges.

“It was my first time experiencing so much pace, like Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson,” Haider told reporters.

Johnson’s 150 km/h thunderbolts took a toll.

“Yeah, it hurt me. See!,” he said, holding out his red hands.

“He is a very speedy fast bowler. It was the first time I’ve experienced that in my life.”

Haider said the Australia players had treated him like a brother.

“They are very loving and they supported me well,” he said.

“I am really impressed by the Australians as cricketers and as human beings also.

“I was very proud to play for Australia. Okay, it was only a warm-up match but I was very proud.

“It means a lot to me and I will never forget it.”

Haider has been in the UAE for five years, the last four working in a bank.

“Yes, every day except Friday, from eight to four o’clock and then after four o’clock I go to the UAE camp till 12 o’clock or one o’clock and then finish,” he said.

Lyon praised the enthusiasm of Haider.

“He was brilliant. He took an absolute screamer of a catch off myself,” Lyon said.

“I know all the boys are around him in the change room right now and he is enjoying himself that’s for sure.”