Australia's flagging Test fortunes took another turn for the worse on Thursday after their bowlers copped a pasting against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

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.