SHARJAH: One-drop batsman Alex Doolan hit a fighting hundred, but skipper Michael Clarke failed in Australia's four-day warm-up game against Pakistan 'A' in Sharjah on Thursday.

Doolan's 104 anchored Australia's 273-8 at close on the second day at Sharjah stadium but the top-order, including Clarke, did not get their much-needed practice.

Pakistan 'A' had declared their first innings at the overnight score of 305-8 with skipper Asad Shafiq remaining not out on 108.

Clarke, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained on the tour of Zimbabwe in August, looked well set during his 31-ball stay of 10 runs before being caught at point off paceman Ehsan Adil.

Openers Chris Rogers (nought) and Phil Hughes (14) also didn't last long enough for Australia's liking ahead of the first of two Tests starting in Dubai from October 22.

But Doolan, in the company of Steven Smith (58), man-of-the-series in Australia's 3-0 rout of Pakistan in the preceding one-day series, added 106 for the fourth wicket before both retired to give other batsmen some practice.

Doolan's 194-ball innings had 12 boundaries and three sixes as he looked set to keep the Test place he won earlier this year on the South Africa tour.

Smith hit nine boundaries during his 123-ball stay.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh, back after last month's hamstring injury, failed with a three-ball duck. At close, Brad Haddin (38) and Steve O'Keefe (four) were the unbeaten batsmen, with Australia still trailing by 32 runs.

Doolan defended Clarke's innings.

“I just think it's a game of cricket and sometimes you get out early. I am sure Michael would have liked to have batted a bit longer but it's the way it goes sometimes,” said Doolan of his skipper.

“My goal going in was to spend a bit of time out in the middle, take the score out of the equation and just bat. I was really pleased to spend a long period of time out in the sun and getting used to the conditions.”

The second Test starts in Abu Dhabi from October 30.

Brief scores:

Pakistan 'A' 305-8 dec (Asad Shafiq 108 not out; S. O'Keefe 3-76) Australia 273-8 (A. Doolan 104, S. Smith 58)