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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Steve Smith says Australia feel "incredibly safe" in Pakistan despite death threat

Australia star Steve Smith says the players feel 'incredibly safe' in Pakistan after it was revealed that Ashton Agar had been the subject of a death threat warning him not to take part in the historic tour.

The tour marks Australia's first trip to Pakistan in 24 years and Agar's partner, Madeleine, was sent a threatening message on social media ahead of the tour.

A section of the message read: "This is a warning for your husband Ashton Agar if he comes to tour against Pakistan he won't come [back] alive."

However, the threat was investigated and Cricket Australia said in a statement that it was "not considered a risk".

Steve Smith has said Australia feel "incredibly safe" in Pakistan (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

"Cricket Australia is aware of the social media post, of which the nature and content has been investigated by the PCB, CA and combined Government security agencies," the statement read.

"There are extensive security plans in place for this type of social media activity, which, in this case, it's not considered a risk. No further comment will be made at this time."

Speaking ahead of the first Test, Smith said the players 'trust their security' and insisted they all feel 'incredibly safe in Pakistan'.

"We're aware of social media and the unfortunate events that can occur on platforms," Smith told reporters.

"We've got a lot of people working here with us, we trust our security and we're feeling incredibly safe in Pakistan.

"It's great to be back here and playing cricket. It's the first time a lot of us have been here and we're excited. We know how passionate Pakistanis are about cricket."

Smith is gearing up for his first match since sustaining a concussion in a T20I match against Sri Lanka last month.

The 32-year-old landed on his head while attempting to prevent a six being scored in the final over of Sri Lanka's innings.

"I knocked myself out for a few seconds," Smith said of the incident. "When I came to, I was in a weird state. I knew straightaway I was likely concussed having had a few knocks to the head.

Smith is gearing up for his first match since suffering a concussion while fielding against Sri Lanka (MUHAMMAD FAROOQ/AFP via Getty Images)

"I've had headaches and drowsiness. A couple of Fridays ago, I had a vertigo incident where I was struggling for a bit that day.

"I've had the Epley Maneuver and got the crystals back where they're supposed to be in the inner ear. After that, things sort of settled down and progressed really nicely.

"I've been able to do the exercise stuff I need to get myself back to that ready to play state."

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