It all began before Dubai’s first test. Australia faced Pakistan A at Sharjah in a 4-day game, beginning October 15. Having won the ODI series 3-0 earlier, Australia wouldn’t have thought much of this match. Going into the longer version of the game was like extending their winning streak against he younger Pakistanis, before the 2-match test series began in Dubai on October 22. After all, Aussies had already come back into test reckoning after their Ashes win at home, when everything seemed lost.