Fawad Ahmed, who is awaiting a decision from the Australian government about his refugee protection claim, bowled against Australia's top batsmen as a preparation for South African spinner Imran Tahir ahead of Friday's Gabba Test opener.

Ahmed, who plays Melbourne club cricket and has previously bowled in nets sessions to Australia's batsmen, was flown to Brisbane due to the similarities of his bowling action with that of Pakistan-born Tahir, team officials said.

Ahmed is familiar with naturalised South African Tahir, having played against him when they were both in Pakistan's domestic cricket.

He left his home in the border region near Afghanistan to come to Australia on a short-stay visa to play cricket in 2010.

Despite a temptation to play a four-man pace attack on what is expected to be a bouncy Gabba wicket, South Africa have said they are planning to play Tahir, who has played 10 Tests for the Proteas.