After a month in Colombo, the Australian cricket team heads to Sharjah today for an historic first Test in the United Arab Emirates.

Australian and Pakistan will arrive Dubai this afternoon and will have just one full day of practice before the second Test of the neutral series gets under way in Sharjah.

It will mark the first time Australia has played a Test in non-Test country.

Pakistan played two matches there earlier this year, scoring resounding wins over West Indies in both.

Australian coach John Buchanan said the quick turnaround and with conditions more extreme than Colombo, it would be arduous for both sides.

"But that's the way the schedule is and we have to deal with it," Buchanan said.

"They'll be more aware of what it's going to be like than us but it will be pretty bloody hot and humid, worse than here."

Sharjah has has been recording temperatures of around 40 degrees with the humidity around 80 per cent.

"I do believe the team which can adjust to the conditions more quickly will have the advantage in the first game," Buchanan added.

The Australians, one-nil up in the series, won't make a decision on their team until they've seen the pitch conditions but Buchanan said it was traditionally a "flat" deck offering reverse swing and a little bit of spin.

Injured fast bowler Jason Gillespie will travel with team but won't play in either Test after tearing his calf muscle on the last day of the first day.

West Australian quick Brad Williams will join the team in Sharjah to cover for Gillespie.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.