Australia have dropped their only frontline spinner, Xavier Doherty, for Tuesday’s opening match of their one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan to be played in heatwave conditions.

While Pakistan are expected to rely heavily on spin trio Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez, Australia will go into the Sharjah clash with an attack of quicks and part-time spinners.

Medium-pacer Dan Christian, who was 12th man for Sunday’s 66-run win over Afghanistan, comes into the side for Doherty who took 1-34 from 7.5 overs.

Australia’s pacemen Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson claimed the first nine wickets to fall in the Afghanistan innings, with left-armer Starc in particular using swing to his advantage in the humid conditions.

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

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

Clarke has the option of bowling himself, David Hussey and Glenn Maxwell as part-time spinners.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq is also expecting swing to be a factor in the game which starts at 6pm (2400 AEST).

“I don’t think we will only rely on spinners,” Misbah said.

“We have to bat well and fast bowlers are very important for us because the ball reverse swings in Sharjah.”

Australian team: Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Matthew Wade, Mike Hussey, David Hussey, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson, Dan Christian.