Steve Smith excited to play in Pakistan for the first time

Australia’s Test vice-captain Steve Smith has opened up on playing in Pakistan for the first time.

The Aussies arrived in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Sunday morning and will start training from tomorrow at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

While posting a story on Instagram, the 32-year-old shared how he feels about touring Pakistan for the very first time.

Smith has performed well in Asian countries but never got a chance to play in Pakistan. This would also be the first away tour for Australia since the 2019 Ashes series in England. 

“We have been here in Islamabad, Pakistan for a couple of days now settling in nicely, it’s great to finally be back in Pakistan playing some cricket for the Australian team, it’s the first time I have been here personally so I am looking forward to what this tour holds," Smith said.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s our first away tour after 2019 ashes so guys are looking forward to playing in some foreign conditions and challenging ourselves it should be a great tour and we are all looking forward to it," Smith said.

Smith was ruled out of the T20I series against Sri Lanka after suffering a concussion during the second T20I while fielding on the boundary. The right-handed batter gave an update about his condition.

“And those asking about my concussion I am progressing really nicely. I have faced some spinners and some sidearms before we came away and I am going to face some fast bowlers tomorrow everything is going well and can’t wait to settle in here in a couple of days’ time," he concluded.

It must be noted that Smith has enjoyed playing against Pakistan as he has scored 755 runs in 15 innings at an average of 53.92, but it would be a new challenge to play against Pakistan in their home conditions. He has previously played two test matches against Pakistan in UAE which are similar conditions to Pakistan.

The first Test will start from March 4 at Rawalpindi.