Opener Phil Jaques scored a fighting, unbeaten half-century as Australia 'A' struggled to 120 for six on the opening day of a four-day unofficial Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

With just 39.3 overs possible on a rain-hit day, Pakistani pacers Shahid Nazir, Mohammad Sami [Images] and Umar Gul bowled well in helpful conditions to leave the Australians struggling when play was abandoned.

New South Wales player Jaques stood firm with a fine 56 runs as senior team players Mike Hussey, captain Brad Haddin and Shane Watson all failed after being put into bat first by Pakistan 'A' skipper Misbah-ul-Haq.

Hussey was bowled for two by Nazir while Haddin was dismissed for nine by Sami as the batsmen struggled with the ball moving around.

Cameron White scored 23 runs.

Gul is playing his first match for Pakistan since April 2004 and Sami is also on a comeback from a heel injury suffered in India early this year.

Pakistan are fielding several Test players in their line-up.

Scores:

Australia 'A' 120 for 6 in 39.3 overs (Phil Jaques 56*, Cameron White 23. Shahid Nazir 3-28, Mohammad Sami 2-44)