The world's No.1 Test batsman looms as the tourist's major stumbling block in Brisbane from Thursday, but Pakistan bowling great Akram sees a vulnerability beyond Smith his men can expose.

And Akram, who averaged 23.6 with the ball across 104 Tests, thinks getting past Smith may be as simple as ignoring a batsmen he admits he has never seen the like of before.

"I played against the greats of the game ... but Smithy's very, very different," he said.

"Sometimes he stands outside off stump, sometimes he stands middle, sometimes leg stump.

"Concentrate on what you want, don't follow his stance, his movement and go for your plans, not his."

Akram fears Smith will only improve in home conditions after thriving against a swinging Dukes ball in England, but that beyond him there are weaknesses Pakistan can prey on.

Australia has not lost since 1988 at the Gabba, although Pakistan made 450 in the second innings on their last visit to lose by just 38 runs.

With that 2016 Test still in mind, captain Azhar Ali is happy to talk up his chances.

"We go in here with a lot of confidence," he said.

"We have the talent to do well here and we have done well in patches in previous series (in Australia).

"To do that (win), I think we have to keep believing and also play with no fear."

The two-match series concludes with a day-night Test starting on November 29 in Adelaide.

Australian Associated Press