Lyon says "bowling ugly" will be vital as Australia's front-line and part-time spinners brace for their tour match against Pakistan A beginning on Saturday, which will serve as the precursor to next month's two-Test series against Pakistan.

Lyon says coach Justin Langer's message has been clear: this series is about "earning the right to play the brand of cricket that we want to play as the Australian cricket side".

Australian skipper Tim Paine says the aggressive mindset fans have grown accustomed to will remain, but expect it to be toned down by what is arguably Australia's weakest side since the World Series split in 1977.

The squad boasts five uncapped players following bans to David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, and injuries to star quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

While Warner peeled off a stellar unbeaten hundred and Smith nearly notched up one of his own in the Sydney premier competition last weekend, the Australia squad has been sweating it out at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

It is there Lyon has been honing his craft and learning how to take wickets by "bowling ugly" in a bid to reverse Australia's poor record on the subcontinent.

"That’s going away from what I’ve fallen in love with, with an off-spinning ball when I’m spinning up the back of the ball with that nice shape," Lyon said.

"You have to find a way to hit the stumps, and that may be bowling square or round-arm, whatever it may be. Four years ago or however long it was, they really tried to attack me, so I’m expecting pretty much the same type of batting.

"They've got different guys, rather than Younis (Khan) and Misbah (ul-Haq), but they've still got a very talented batting line up, some superstars in there as well.

"We know as the Australian cricket team, it hasn’t really been our strength, the subcontinent. I know personally, I’m looking to really turn that success around for the Australian cricket side."

Lyon is keen to build on his partnership with squad member Jon Holland in an Australian XI that could field three specialist spinners if they are greeted with a raging turner in Dubai.

Ashton Agar is set to link up with the squad before the first Test, while Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne will provide another option as they vie for a spot in the middle order.

Lyon's status as Australia's greatest off-spinner means he will have arguably the biggest role to play - and he is under no illusions as to how tough it will be.

Instead of shirking the challenge, Lyon is ready to grasp what he sees as a chance to usher in a new wave of talent alongside Mitchell Starc in the absence of half of what he dubs "the best bowling attack in the world".

"I know Starcy and I spoke about that sitting in his room the other night, but it’s just about providing good examples and leading the way as we try to do each and every game," Lyon said.

"The big thing over here is that we’re going to have to bowl well in partnerships. The fast bowlers are here and they’re not just here to make up the overs, they’re here to attack and defend, and whatever their roles may be at the right time.

"There’s not just one certain person that has to stand up here, it’s a whole bowling unit and it’s going to be a great challenge."