After reaching Pakistan for a bilateral series, Australia Test captain Pat Cummins dismissed the concerns over security by saying his players were feeling "incredibly safe" after landing in Islamabad. This is the first time since 1998 that an Australian cricket team has arrived in Pakistan for bilateral series.
Australia decided to return to the Asian country after 24 years and the historic tour will begin with the first Test in Rawalpindi on March 4. A heavy security dragnet has been thrown around Australia's six-week tour, beginning with the first Test in Rawalpindi on March 4.
The two teams will play three Tests, three ODIs, and a one-off T20I during the tour.
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Cummins said in a virtual news conference: “I feel incredibly safe. We've been really well looked after by the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board). Upon arrival, there's been lots of security. We were straight off the plane and straight to the hotel. We've got a pretty good set-up here and we'll be confined to the hotel except for games and training.”
The 28-year-old continued, “It's comforting and we're really lucky to be surrounded by so many professionals. There are lots of things around which might be a little bit different to what we're used to but we know it's been taken care of so we can just really enjoy ourselves here.
Pakistan is an incredible cricket nation. We feel lucky to get to come back here after a whole generation didn’t get the chance to play any cricket over here.”
Australia came to Pakistan on the back of 4-1 Ashes series win against England and Cummins is hoping to replicate that performance against Babar Azam and his team in the upcoming Test series.
He said, “I really hope so. I was really proud of how we performed throughout the Ashes summer back home in Australia, and now that’s the challenge to continue that and be just as relentless on an overseas tour.”
Cummins signed off by saying on Australia’s spin bowling consultant Fawad Ahmed, “He's got a wealth of experience here and he knows the venues quite well and he's always great fun for the group.”
(With Reuters Inputs)
