Australia are up against Pakistan and that too in their own backyard after a gap of 18 years. The series will consist of three Test matches, as many ODIs and one T20I. This tour is starting from 4th March. Seven matches will be played in Pakistan, out of which five (one Test, three ODIs and one T20) will be played in Rawalpindi. Karachi and Lahore will host the other two Test matches in what will be a hectic and travel-filled initial three weeks for the tour.
Ahead of the series, the broadcasters have released some videos that showcase the iconic rivalry between these two cricket-crazy nations in the best possible way.
•Australia vs Pakistan (2nd match gym T20 tri-series – 2 July 2018): 3 catches by Aaron Finch)
And in the second moment Finch is involved as he scores a match-winning century. (see it below)
Meanwhile, ahead of this high-profile visit, off-field news has started pouring in. Cricketer Ashton Agar’s partner received some death threats on social media. Former captain Steve Smith reacted to the incident saying that he feels ‘incredibly safe’ in Pakistan.
Australia batsman Steve Smith said on Tuesday that the players had “incredibly” on their first tour of Pakistan in nearly 25 years, despite spinner Ashton Agar receiving death threats via social media just days before the start of the first Test. felt safe”.
Agar was warned against traveling to Pakistan, although the threat was dismissed after investigations by the Pakistan and Australia Board and government security agencies.
Cricket Australia said comprehensive protection plans were in place for such social media activity and that the threat was “not considered a risk”.
Smith said the team has confidence in the security system.
“We are aware of the unfortunate incidents happening on social media and platforms,” he told reporters ahead of the first Test in Rawalpindi starting Friday.
“We have so many people working here, we are confident in our safety and we feel incredibly safe in Pakistan.”
Top teams have largely shunned Pakistan since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, in which six policemen and two civilians were killed.
International sides have recently started to tour Pakistan again, but in September New Zealand abruptly abandoned the tour minutes before the opening game in Rawalpindi following a government security alert and returned home.
Get all the latest updates cricket news, cricket pictures, cricket videos, IPL Auction 2022 And cricket score Here