Cummins comforted by high security as Australia land in Pakistan

Captain Pat Cummins said the tight security surrounding his team was “comforting” and would not be a distraction after Australia’s cricketers touched down in Pakistan for the first time in  24 years on Sunday.

Australia flew into Pakistan to be greeted by high-level security normally reserved for heads of state, with hundreds of armed police guarding the airport and the route to the team hotel in Islamabad.

“It’s comforting.Absolutely feel incredibly safe. Lots of security, straight off the plane and straight to the hotel.” 

Australia will isolate themselves in their rooms for 24 hours while Covid tests are carried out before practising on Monday ahead of the first match in a three-Test series beginning in Rawalpindi on Friday.

Pakistan have struggled to attract touring sides since a fatal terror attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009.

Having been forced to play their home games abroad -- mostly in the United Arab Emirates -- Pakistan appeared to have reassured international cricket authorities last year with both New Zealand and England scheduled to tour. But the Black Caps hastily departed in September just minutes before their first match was due to start, citing security fears, and England postponed tours by both their men’s and women’s teams soon after.

Cummins admitted the gradual return of international cricket to Pakistan has changed attitudes to visiting the country.

“Pakistan is an incredible cricket nation,” “We feel lucky that we get to come back here after a whole generation didn’t get that opportunity to come and play Test or any cricket here.”he said.