Pakistan train for historic Australia Test series amid heavy security - in pictures

Aussie captain Pat Cummins feeling 'incredibly safe' after team arrives in Islamabad on Sunday

Pakistan captain Babar Azam during a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 27, 2022. Pakistan are hosting Australia for the first time in 24 years, with the first Test on March 4. AP

Pakistan players during a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of their three-match Test series against Australia which begins on March 4. AFP

Security personnel conduct a drill ahead of a first Test between Pakistan and Australia in Rawalpindi. AP

Security personnel conduct a drill ahead of a first Test between Pakistan and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. AP

Pakistan's Nauman Ali bowls as teammates Fawad Alam, right, and Sajid Khan watch during a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. AFP

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam, left, and teammate Imam-ul-Haq, right, bat during a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. AFP

Pakistan's Sajid Khan prepares to bowl next to teammate Fawad Alam during a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. AFP

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam, left, during training in Rawalpindi on Sunday. AFP

Babar Azam catches a ball during a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. AFP

Babar Azam, right, and Imam-ul-Haq prepare to bat during training on Sunday. AFP

Pakistani players train in Rawalpindi on Sunday. AP

Sarfraz Ahmed, left, and Babar Azam practise fielding in Rawalpindi on Sunday. AP

A police officer stands guard as vehicles carrying the Australian team pass by in Islamabad. Reuters

The Australian cricket team after arriving in Islamabad. Reuters

Security officials stand guard as the Australian cricket team is escorted to a hotel on their arrival in Islamabad. EPA

Australian cricket team is escorted to a hotel on arrival in Islamabad. EPA

Security officials stand guard as the Australian cricket team arrives in Pakistan. EPA

A police commando stands guard as security forces escort Australian players to the team hotel in Islamabad. AP

A special unit of Pakistani security forces escorts the Australian team to their hotel upon arrival in Islamabad. AP

Pakistan's players began preparations for their historic Test series against Australia after Pat Cummins' team arrived in the south Asian nation on Sunday.

Security was the top priority as armed personnel were stationed during Pakistan's training session at the Rawalpindi Stadium, where the first Test will begin on March 4.

The Australian players were also provided heavy security cover upon arrival in Islamabad. In all, nearly 4,000 police and military personnel will be guarding the team hotel in Islamabad and the nearby Rawalpindi stadium.

Australia captain Cummins said he was reassured by the high-level security, which is normally reserved for visiting heads of state.

"It's comforting," said Cummins. "We are really lucky to be surrounded by so many professionals. Absolutely feel incredibly safe. Lots of security, straight off the plane and straight to the hotel."

Roads will be cordoned off when the Australian players make the 15km commute to the stadium from the capital, with their team bus to be given cover by army helicopters.

Snipers will be stationed on buildings surrounding the stadium. Also, nearby shops and offices have been ordered to remain closed on match days.

Among those who were missing during Pakistan's training session on Sunday were fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who were set to face off in the final of the Pakistan Super League on Sunday.

Karachi will host the second Test from March 12 followed by the third in Lahore from March 21. Rawalpindi will host three ODI series matches from March 29 before Australia round off the tour with a Twenty20 at the same venue on April 5.

Australia last toured Pakistan in 1998, winning the three-Test series 1-0 and sweeping the hosts in the three ODIs.