It's taken only one day but, as has been its wont in Asia, Michael Clarke's side already finds itself in an unenviable position.

Younis Khan began last week without a century from six Tests against Australia but has now become only the second player in history, and first in 90 years, to score three consecutive Test tons against the men wearing the baggy green.

His unbeaten 111, his 27th Test century, and a ton for Azhar Ali, who has batted resolutely all series, have given Pakistan a strong grip on the second Test.

It now seems an eternity ago that Australia had Pakistan teetering at 2-7 on the first morning of the series. Since then Australia have taken 11 wickets and conceded 1037 runs.

The hosts will resume on Friday on 2-304, poised to inflict more misery on Australia's weary bowlers. A first innings run chase well in excess of 400 again looms for Australia's embattled batsmen.

It was a case of new attack, same result for Australia, whose ploy to play three frontline quicks on a sluggish wicket failed to pay dividends on the opening day.

Adding insult to injury, the tactic prolonged their misery in the field by another 30 minutes due to Australia's poor over rate. Even with the extra time Australia fell two overs short.

Ominously for the visitors, the pitch has already shown signs it will be friendly to spinners.

Nathan Lyon was able to extract notable turn in the first session while the part-time leg-spin Steve Smith appeared at times during the afternoon to be Australia's most dangerous bowler. Yasir Shah must be licking his lips waiting for the chance to bowl.

Lyon was dangerous early, claiming the scalp of Ahmed Shehzad for 35, but was no match for Younis or Ali.

With wickets so hard to come by, Australia did themselves no favours in the field, failing to live up to the lofty standards set by previous sides.

Ali was gifted two lives, on 34 by Smith and on 46 by David Warner. And though both opportunities could be considered difficult, Australia is not in a position to be handing out charity in this part of the world. They have already cost Australia 67 runs.

It was a tough day behind the stumps for Brad Haddin. The veteran, whose glovework has improved with age, missed a difficult chance from Ahmed Shehzad off Lyon, and a run out opportunity went begging late in the day which could have landed the prized wicket of Younis.

The Australians claimed one wicket in each of the first two sessions but failed to land a blow after tea, despite taking a second new ball.

A third new ball is a distinct possibility given the lack of penetration showed by Australia's bowlers.

Mitchell Johnson was again reduced to a mere mortal by a track so void of pace that Clarke at times deployed five men in an umbrella shape in front of the batsman.

Johnson claimed just the one wicket, that of Mohammad Hafeez, who fished at a good length ball just outside off stump and was caught behind by Haddin.

Peter Siddle was tight though at his most dangerous just before lunch when he found some reverse swing, while Mitchell Starc posed little threat to Pakistan's batsmen.

The pressure is on Starc as he has been picked at the expense of a second spinner Stephen O'Keefe, Australia's leading wickettaker from the first Test.

Starc, who has not played a first-class game since the Oval Test in August last year, was given just 11 overs, casting further doubt over the wisdom of picking a third frontline seamer in unsuitable conditions.