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Nathan Lyon has overtaken Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson on Australia's all-time Test wicket-takers list with a brilliant spell in Abu Dhabi.

Nathan Lyon's stunning spell in Abu Dhabi has propelled him further into rare air among Australia's greatest Test bowlers.

Lyon is now fourth on Australia's all-time Test wicket-takers list after ripping through Pakistan's batsmen on day one of the second Test.

The offspinner took his career tally to 314, snaring four wickets in the space of six balls late in Tuesday's morning session to leapfrog Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson.

Lyon turns 31 next month, meaning he still has plenty of time to surpass Dennis Lillee's haul of 355 Test wickets.

The series-decider in Abu Dhabi is Lyon's 80th Test, making him easily the most senior player in a relatively inexperienced Australian XI.

Pakistan had looked to be in a comfortable position at 1-57 before Lyon struck, removing Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam without the hosts adding to their score.

Lyon's outstanding start is all the more impressive considering how much he struggled last time Australia played Tests in the UAE.

He managed just three wickets from two Tests at an eye-watering average of 140.66 as Pakistan cruised to a whitewash victory in the 2014 series.

MOST TEST WICKETS BY AN AUSTRALIAN

708: Shane Warne

563: Glenn McGrath

355: Dennis Lillee

314*: Nathan Lyon

313: Mitchell Johnson

310: Brett Lee

* Midway through day one of Test v Pakistan in Abu Dhabi