Australia were staring at a 2-0 series defeat after Pakistan’s bowlers exposed their frailties against spin and reverse swing on day three of the second and final Test in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Resuming on 22-1, Mitchell Marsh (87) and captain Michael Clarke (47) offered some resistance before Australia collapsed for 261 soon after tea, 309 runs behind Pakistan’s first innings total.

Pakistan, who declared their first innings on 570-6, did not force the follow-on even though Australia fell 110 runs short of the mark and decided instead to set them a target to chase. Mitchell Johnson removed both their openers in the second innings, but Pakistan, who comprehensively won the first Test in Dubai, stretched their overall lead to 370 at the close.

Younis Khan, who has hit 106, 103 not out and 213 in his last three innings in the series, was unbeaten on 16 with Azhar Ali on 21.

The Pakistani bowlers had earlier generated enough turn, bounce and reverse swing from a lifeless track to run through the tourists.

Imran Khan claimed three for 60, impressing both with the new and old ball, while fellow paceman Rahat Ali and the spin duo of Zulfiqar Babar and Yasir Shah claimed two wickets apiece.

Brief scores: Pakistan 570/6 decl & 61/2 (A Ali 21 n.o.; M Johnson 2-29). Australia 261 (M Marsh 87, M Clarke 47; I Khan 3/60, R Ali 2/41).