Lee's first game of the year, after recovering from ankle surgery, will be the major point of interest for Australia when they take on Pakistan in the one-off Twenty20 match in Dubai.

All-rounder Shane Watson is also expected to make his return to the bowling crease, having played purely as a batsman in the recently completed one-day series after a lay-off with a back injury.

Queanbeyan export Haddin, who will lead Australia for the second time in his career in the absence of resting captain Ricky Ponting and vice-captain Michael Clarke, said the two bowling returns would be a welcome milestone.

''It's just good for them to get out and play again, those guys have had extended breaks from international cricket and it's just good to get out there and play some cricket,'' Haddin said.

''The results on how they bowl or whatever is irrelevant.

''I know Lee, after his long lay-off, is pretty keen to get back playing some cricket.

''He had a good hit-out over the last couple of days and got some good pace going in [practice in] Abu Dhabi.

''He's champing at the bit and he'll be ready to go to take the new ball.''

The match will provide Lee and Watson with an important test as they prepare for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times