Pakistan have won the toss and will bat first in their opening one-day international against Australia in hot conditions.

Australia have dropped their only frontline spinner Xavier Doherty, who is replaced by medium-pacer Dan Christian.

A minimum overnight temperature of 27C is forecast in Sharjah, with the game due to start at 6pm on Tuesday (midnight AEST).

The pitch is white and resembles concrete with reverse swing a possible factor late in the game.

Part-time slow bowlers Michael Clarke, David Hussey and Glenn Maxwell will complement Australia’s pace attack led by the in-form Mitchell Starc.

Maxwell claimed 0-21 from five overs in his ODI debut against Afghanistan on Sunday.

Pakistan boast a spin attack led by Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez.

Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal returns for his first ODI game since last year’s World Cup.

Teams:

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

Pakistan: Misbahul Haq (capt), Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Aizaz Cheema, Saeed Ajmal.