Tim Paine will resist temptation to ensure Australia get the most bang for their buck out of Mitchell Starc against Pakistan.

The left-arm quick will return from a leg injury to lead the attack in a two-Test tour of the United Arab Emirates next month, with regular sidekicks Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins still recovering from back injuries.

Paine anticipates hot, humid and grinding conditions and has stressed the need for patience with both bat and ball.

But he’s hinted their use of Starc may go a little off script, with the skipper wary of over-bowling his trump card in the search for wickets.

“We absolutely need to be really careful with all our quicks over there. It’s going to be over 40 degrees and high humidity and we know he’s a strike weapon,” Paine said.

“I’d expect him to be bowling some short (spells) and trying to bowl as fast as he can.

“It’s exciting to have his pace back, his experience and in those conditions his batting as well.”

Spinners Jon Holland and Nathan Lyon are expected to play in the first Test from October 7.

But Starc’s seam partners could be any of Queensland bolters Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett or recalled Victorian veteran Peter Siddle.

Siddle, 33, played the last of his 62 Tests two years ago but has forced his way back after taking 34 wickets at 15.32 in English county cricket this season.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh returned to bowling during Australia A’s recent tour of India while, if selected to make his debut, batsman Travis Head would provide another spin option.

Australia have arrived in the UAE and will play one four-day warm-up fixture before the first Test, with Paine anticipating new coach Justin Langer will allow him to have some input in his final XI.

Paine has also expressed his delight at the Test inclusion of limited overs specialist Aaron Finch, which couldn’t have come at a better time.

A senior member of Australia’s one-day and Twenty-20 sides, Finch’s short-form runs have thrust him into the red-ball fray.

He was one of five potential debutants on the plane out of Brisbane on Wednesday night, where Paine gave Matthew Renshaw’s potential opening partner his endorsement.

“It’s come at a really good time for him. He’s in outstanding form, albeit it in white ball cricket, but you can only score runs in the game you’re playing,” Paine said.

David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith are all suspended following March’s ball-tampering saga in South Africa in addition to the injuries to Cummins and Hazlewood.

Bowlers Neser and Doggett, as well as batsmen Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head join Finch as their replacements.

At 31, the big-hitting Victorian offers much-needed experience that could help Paine as he leads the depleted side out of the shadows cast byt the disastrous tour of South Africa.

“He’s matured into a really good cricketer. Guys come into their best in their early 30s ... Finchy couldn’t have been picked at a better time,” said Paine, who expects to have input before the XI for the first Test on October 7 is finalised.

Meanwhile, Paine said a patient approach will be required at the crease to counter the conditions – something a far more accomplished Australian side was unable to do in a 2-0 thumping in the UAE four years ago.

“Games in UAE take a long time (to move forward). You have to be patient to build partnerships, patience and pressure,” he said.

“We’re going to have to play really hard, tough cricket and, same for our bowlers, it’s going to be about wearing them down.”