Skipper Aamir Sohail rotated his bowlers in short spells and also turned his arm over for 12 overs with his left-arm spin, but the two Australian batsmen stayed the course.

Earlier, after electing to bat first, Australia lost opener Michael Slater (2) in the ninth over of the day when Akhtar had him caught by Azhar Mahmood in the gully.

Pakistan were missing its star fast bowler Wasim Akram, who is suffering a sore throat.

Akhtar in particular was rather quick and accurate in his opening first five overs in which he gave away only five runs and was rewarded with the one wicket. Although Zahid matched his partner, he bowled a number of no balls, including three in succession in his third over.

Pakistan made four team changes after its opening Test loss in Rawalpindi. Akram made way for Zahid, whileoff-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq was replaced by Akhtar. Yousuf Youhanna and Ijaz Ahmed were included in the side to replace Mohammad Hussain and Mohammad Wasim.

Australia made only one change from the team which recorded its first victory on Pakistan soil after 39 years. Darren Lehmann, who was not fully recovered from a groin injury, was replaced by middle-order batsman Ricky Ponting.

SCOREBOARD:

Australia (1st innings):

Mark Taylor batting 112, Michael Slater c Azhar b Shoaib 2, Justin Langer batting 97. Extras (lb-3, w-1, nb-9) 13. Total (for 1 wkt, 69 overs) 224.

Fall of wicket:

1-16.

Bowling:

Shoaib 17-5-56-1 (1nb); Zahid 13-0-55-0 (6-nb, 1-w); Mushtaq 19-1-61-0; Azhar 8-1-27-0 (1-nb); Sohail 12-3-22-0 (1-nb).