Australia's cricket spin bowling consultant Fawad Ahmed has COVID-19 and will miss the start of the Test series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

Australia's spin bowling consultant Fawad Ahmed has tested positive to COVID-19 and will isolate in a Pakistan hotel for the next five days.

Fawad arrived at Australia's team hotel in Islamabad on Monday ahead of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi starting Friday.

He had not mixed with Australia's squad members or staffers.

"Team medical staff ensured Fawad isolated on his arrival at the hotel and he then returned the positive test after showing mild symptoms," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

"He will remain isolated for at least five days, as per government regulations, and will only come out of isolation after he returns two negative tests and is symptom-free."

Fawad had been working with the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League prior to linking up with the Australian team, who are preparing to play their first Test series in Pakistan in 24 years.