Pakistan Eye Dual Spin Attack at SCG

Pakistan admit they need more than the expected recall of spinner Danish Kaneria and even the possible return of ex-skipper Younus Khan to beat Australia in the second cricket Test at the SCG.

While they would undoubtedly be a big help, the tourists were on the back foot from the start of the first Test as they lost by 170 runs on Wednesday and accepted they had to get better.

"All areas have to improve," captain Mohammad Yousuf said bluntly.

Pakistan's fielding, in particular, was woeful.

Australia also dropped some catches, but Pakistan's missed opportunities on day one set the tone.

Pakistan still had a slim chance at the start of the final day, at 3-170 and chasing 422.

But Mitchell Johnson's two wickets in two balls during the first over shut the door.

"I (was) 70 per cent confident maybe we will win, because 251 is 90 overs if we don't give early wickets, maybe they are more under pressure," Yousuf said.

"But the first over put us under pressure - Johnson's first over killed us."

Yousuf confirmed that Kaneria had recovered from the finger injury that forced him out of the Boxing Day Test side and will be fit for the second Test starting on Sunday.

The captain has also spoken to Younus and is hopeful he will join the squad in Australia soon, but it is now up to Pakistan's selectors.

Younus has not played for Pakistan since resigning abruptly from the captaincy last month.

One of the main reasons that Younus resigned was ructions within the team, but Yousuf has no doubt that he can return.

"When I spoke to him he is happy to come to play - he is a good person," Yousuf said.

"Obviously Younus is a very experienced player and a very good player.

"He's got a 50 average in Test matches, we miss him a lot, he is a very crucial No.3 (batsman)."

Yousuf also hopes to play two spinners in Sydney, if the wicket is right, and thinks this might be a problem for the home side.

"Some games I saw in Sydney, if it behaves the same it may be difficult for Australia," he said.

There were some encouraging signs in Melbourne and Yousuf singled out young paceman Mohammad Aamer and batsmen Umar Akmal and Misbah-ul-Haq for praise.

But overall, Pakistan head north knowing Australia have the upper hand in the three-Test series.

"We lost but we are looking forward to two Test matches," Yousuf said.

"The series is not finished yet, hopefully we are trying harder the next game."