Chandigarh: At a time when international athletes are worried about their security in India during the Commonwealth Games, the visiting Australian cricket team on Thursday gave a thumbs-up to the security arrangements for their tour against the hosts.
Many star athletes have pulled out and several countries including Australia have issued travel warnings to their citizens, saying there is high risk of a terror strike during the Games.
Australia is also sending a team of top cops to New Delhi to provide a high-level security cordon to its athletes for the Games.
The Australian cricketers, however, have described the arrangements as “fantastic”.
"The security so far has been fantastic. We always get looked after very well in this country. All the players and other guys are excited about being here," Australia's vice captain Michael Clarke said during an interaction with journalists.
"Ever since we arrived in India, the security has been outstanding. Right now, we feel very comfortable and are looking forward to the two Tests and the ODIs later on," he added.
The Australian cricket team arrived here on September 20 and are scheduled a two-Test and three-ODI series.
The series opener will begin here on October 1. All-rounder Shane Watson too found no problems with the security ever since the team has landed in Delhi.
"Security has been very good. We are being looked after extremely well. I also play for (IPL team) Rajasthan Royals and have been coming here regularly. I find the security and other arrangements exceptional," Watson said. Off-spinner Nathan Hauritz also echoed the same sentiment.
"There are lot of people around for our security. They are trying to look after us really well," he said.
Youngsters Steve Smith and Phillip Hughes said they have no clue why there is so much hue and cry about the security issue.
Clarke said he has always loved touring India. "I love touring here. I also love the Indian food. I must say that I have been lucky to play in India and also enjoyed a bit of a success here. We get looked after well and people here are so passionate about this game.
"And the people here also know the way Australia plays and we also love to entertain them by playing best cricket," Clarke said.
