Security arrangements in Pakistan comforting, says Pat Cummins

Australia have touched down on Pakistan soil for the first time in 24 years and Test captain Pat Cummins says that the security arrangements are comforting and not in any way distracting. 

Australia will play three Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODI) and a lone T20 International (T20I) starting March 4 in Rawalpindi. "It's comforting. We are really lucky to be surrounded by so many professionals," said Cummins of the high-security presence.

"Absolutely feel incredibly safe. Lots of security, straight off the plane and straight to the hotel."

Australian travelling contingent will isolate in their hotel room and Covid tests will be conducted afterwards ahead of the first Test in Rawalpindi on Friday (March 4). 

"We will be pretty much confined to the hotel but we have travelled to India and places like that a lot where you probably don't leave the hotel too much, so we are used to it," said Cummins.

"There are no distractions other than the cricket."

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 Blackcaps 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.

Cricket Australia conducted a thorough assessment before clearing the tour -- a factor Cummins said was important.  "That (security) was one of the big factors that we wanted to be really thorough on before arriving here. 

"There are lots of things going around which might be different, which we are not used to, but we know that's been taken care of and we can really enjoy our first tour here in 24 years."

Cummins admitted the gradual return of international cricket to Pakistan has changed attitudes to visiting the country. "We always know that Pakistan is an incredible cricket nation," said Cummins who led Australia to a 4-0 Ashes win in his first assignment as captain.

"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."

The remaining two Tests are in Karachi (March 12-16) and Lahore (March 21-25).

(With inputs from AFP)