Haider's keeping up with Aussies

Bank teller Saqlain Haider proudly showed off a bruised pair of hands on the boundary line after play on day three in the match between Australia and Pakistan A in Sharjah. This was his prized souvenir of a day standing in for Brad Haddin, keeping wicket to the express pace of Mitchell Johnson.

Darren Lehmann had always planned to rest Brad Haddin from a second day keeping wicket under the scorching Arabian sun, and so it was United Arab Emirates wicketkeeper Haider was called up.

Haider works at a bank six days a week from 8am until 4pm, then practices with the UAE squad, coached by former Pakistan bowler Aaqib Javed, until midnight or later.

He learnt of his call-up to the Australian team through his coach three days ago.

"My coach informed me that Haddin was having a rest and you need to go and keep for the Australians. I was really shocked and very happy," he told reporters.

"It was my first time experiencing so much pace, like Starc and Johnson, they are very speedy bowlers.

"It is a very big experience in my life. I am feeling very proud and I learnt something from that."

Saqlain Haider takes a catch // Getty

Haider more than held his own behind the stumps. He did conceded four byes, both difficult deliveries to field down the leg side from the spinners.

But he also took what Nathan Lyon described as "an absolute screamer of a catch" to give the spinner his first wicket.

"It can be difficult to take a catch when it bounces so much but he gloved them really well," said Lyon.

"I know all the boys are around him in the change room right now and he is enjoying himself that's for sure."

Once the bruises fade, his favourite possession will be the Australian Test whites (unembroided with a cap number) and complement of training he gets to keep.

"I am very proud to wear this. I’m very thankful to the Australian management, they gave me the chance to play with them and it was a very big moment for me and a good memory in my life.

"I was very, very impressed with their behaviour and they were very sportsmanlike, like brothers.

"It means a lot to me and I will never forget it. I was very proud to play for Australia.

"Okay, it was only a warm-up match but I was very proud."