Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes England have learned from past mistakes

Captain Alastair Cook is one of four players returning, after figuring under his predecessor Andrew Strauss in the 3-0 defeat against Pakistan almost four years ago.

England did little right back then, having arrived in the desert as the world's number one team only to be undermined by a series of batting collapses against spin.

Misbah, Pakistan captain then and now, anticipates a different approach from tourists who were at times rendered strokeless as if mesmerised by Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman.

On the eve of the first Test of the series in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan suffered a significant injury scare when key leg-spinner Yasir Shah felt a back spasm while bowling in the nets.

Misbah confirmed the hosts are "really concerned" about Yasir but remain optimistic he may recover in time to be selected on Tuesday morning.

Pakistan are set to call up slow left-armer Zafar Gohar as cover, but travel issues may prevent him being available for the first Test following his return home after playing for the A team against England in Sharjah last week.

Whoever bowls for the hosts, though, Misbah predicts England will be less inclined to allow them to dominate this time.

"I think they will be more prepared this time," he said.

"They know what mistakes they made the last time they were here.

"They were batting too defensively against us, so we should be ready for everything."

Pakistan will start favourites, but Misbah is anxious to avoid complacency.

"We can't just say we have beaten them 3-0, so it should be easy for us," he added

"I don't think it will be easy."

It is sure to be a particularly tough challenge for all-rounder Shoaib Malik - back in the reckoning in Test cricket, thanks to his impressive limited-overs form, for the first time since 2010 and set to bat at number three in place of the injured Azhar Ali.

He said: "I'll try my best to maintain the performances I've given in the T20s and one-day internationals.

"Of course, it is challenging (to bat at number three)... but that is the requirement of the team, and you need to give it your best shot.

"I'll be doing that. The support is there from the team management, and that has helped me.

"I needed that, playing (a first) Test after five years."