Yasir Shah banks on BBL experience to plan Australian dismissals

Shah was part of Brisbane Heat in Australia’s domestic Twenty20 competition, where he spent time with Matthew Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne, both of whom are in the Test squad. He also got a chance to bowl to the likes of Travis Head, who is set to make his Test debut in the first match on Sunday, 7 October.

"Yes, it is a new-looking team, but there are three or four guys that I have played with at the Brisbane Heat and that is certainly to going to help me when it comes to planning. I have seen enough of the other players and also playing against them during my stint in Australia so I know what to expect," Shah told Cricbuzz in a chat.

The 32-year-old leg-spinner last played a Test a year ago, with a hip injury keeping him on the sidelines. He said he had spent his time ensuring he stayed fit to bowl long spells in the heat of the Emirates.

"I have been conscious of being in good shape,” he said. “I was watching my weight and had a specific diet during my recovery at the national academy.

"It has been really hot in Dubai and I know I will need to bowl a lot of overs, so it was important I was ready for all the challenges. I feel refreshed and delighted to be back playing Test cricket again."

The last time Australia were in UAE, four years ago, Shah took 12 wickets at 17.13 and was a constant thorn in their flesh. While he was wary of the new faces in the Australian side – “Having spent time in Australia, I know how competitive Australian first-class cricket is” – he backed himself to do well.

"At the end of the day I know what has worked for me in these conditions and the way I have bowled in the past, I know if I can repeat that then I can be successful."