Pakistan pace bowler Amir Jamal is having a test debut to remember, rattling through Australia's accomplished batting line-up on Friday to secure a six-wicket haul in the series opener in Perth.
Australia racked up an imposing first innings total of 487 courtesy of David Warner's belligerent 164, leading by 355 after the visitors reached 132-2 from 53 overs at stumps on day two, but Pakistan's attack toiled bravely and showed genuine promise.
With first-choice quick Naseem Shah nursing a shoulder injury, Shaheen Afridi is leading an inexperienced fast bowling unit on a Perth Stadium deck known for pace and bounce.
"I think (I'm) quite satisfied (with) the way the bowlers were able to fight back. It's always difficult for the youngsters," Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul said.
"The way they brought us back from the first session on the first day, I think so far we are very satisfied."
A 126-run opening partnership between Warner and Usman Khawaja (41) threatened to put the game out of reach early, but Afridi broke through to send Khawaja on his way.
Returning to the attack in the 73rd over, wicketless and conceding above five an over, Jamal exploited the conditions by shortening his length and luring in both Warner and Travis Head (40) who were soon caught behind square.
"I gathered my confidence back when I came back in my third spell, I backed myself and that's how we got them out," the 27-year-old told reporters on day one.
"(We) planned to bowl them proper short balls to cut them off."
On day two, Jamal's pace seemingly rose with his newfound confidence as his delivery speeds approached 140 kph.
As Mitchell Marsh continued merrily to 90, Jamal uprooted the stumps of Alex Carey (34) and Mitchell Starc (12) with fuller deliveries which nipped off the seam.
When the right-armer had Australia skipper Pat Cummins caught at slip to record his maiden test 'five-for', he kissed the turf and accepted the embrace of his teammates.
A carbon copy dismissal of Nathan Lyon to close the innings gave Jamal figures of 6-111, the sixth-best return for a Pakistan bowler on test debut.
"We were expecting from Amir Jamal that he can bowl for us a long spell and good pace," Gul said.
"I think he did his job and we are quite happy with him."
Pakistan enter day three with Imam-ul-Haq on 38 and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad on seven.