Australia put up a remarkable fightback to deny Pakistan victory on a wearing fifth day pitch, as it avoided defeat by holding on with just two wickets remaining.

Set a daunting 462-run target, Australia ended on 8-362 as opener Usman Khawaja anchored the recovery with a magnificent 141, ably assisted by debutant Travis Head (72) and skipper Tim Paine, who made 61 not out.

Arthur, who took the Pakistan job in May 2016, said his team would be ready for a reinvigorated Australia in Abu Dhabi come the start of the second match on Tuesday.

“Of course Australia will be dangerous after the fight they put up, no doubt about that,” said Arthur. “But I am confident that we are playing good enough cricket and we will come harder.”

Arthur, who previously coached his native South Africa and Australia, said his players were hurting after blowing a great opportunity to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

“For me it was really disappointing that we did not cross the line,” he said. 

“But the good thing for us is that it has hurt the players as if we have lost and that for me is a good sign.

“It shows that the boys are getting mentally tough and maturing and do not settle for second best any more, and that culture we want to create is getting through to our players and we will be raring to go in the second Test.”

Pakistan dominated the opening Test, compiling a first innings total of 482 on the back of centuries from Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail after winning a crucial toss. It then bowled Australia out for 202 with debutant off-spinner Bilal Asif taking 6 for 36 and fast bowler Mohammad Abbas 4-29.