Australia All-Rounder Glenn Maxwell is doubtful for the opening one-day International against Pakistan after being struck with illness. Australia and Pakistan are scheduled to play a Five-Match Series, beginning March 22. Maxwell missed training two days out from the first ODI.

Australia could again unveil dual spin threats after being greeted by a pair of dry-looking surfaces. The ground that proudly trumpets its 'Guinness World Record' for hosting the most ODIs in the format's history is expected to take the considerable turn.

Sharjah Cricket Ground holds the Guinness World record for Hosting Most One-Day International Matches and Australia are coming off a spirit-raising 3-2 ODI series win over India.

However, their enthusiasm could suffer a blow as all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is in doubt for the first match. This could hurt Australia, as the Sharjah wicket is supposed to aid spin thanks to the dry surface greeting the visitors.

Lyon had returned to practice on Wednesday and given his performance against India, might get some game time.

"Spin will be important for both sides. We've got two spinners, I'd be surprised if they don't both play out here. They've got quality spinners as well. It will be a good battle," paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile was quoted.

Australia stepped up preparations for the five-game series against Pakistan, which also features matches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"The stats from here all suggest that spin takes a bigger impact. I'll expect them to spin. We even saw yesterday the training wickets looked at how we expect the middle to play. You're never quite sure though, once there's a bit of traffic on it they start to slow up pretty quick and spin a bit. I think that will be a feature, especially the two games in Sharjah," Finch was quoted as saying.