HYDERABAD, Sept 30: The Australian cricket team on Tuesday gave thumbs up to the security arrangements put in place for their upcoming Test series against India with skipper Ricky Ponting saying the visitors do not have any apprehension in playing in Delhi despite the recent blasts.

Ponting’s comments were in sharp contrast to pacer Stuart Clark’s statement to the Australian media that the recent blasts had left the players jittery about playing the third of the four-match Test series against India in Delhi. Ponting distanced himself from Clark’s view and said, “I don’t think his comments reflect the view of the team.”

The skipper said his side had full faith in Cricket Australia (CA) and the security cover provided to them was also quite reassuring.

“We are keeping an eye on the scenario and are in constant touch with security people to know what they think of the situation.

They are comfortable with the security provided to us and we are comfortable too. I must say we are happy with the arrangements,” Ponting said.

Vice-captain Michael Clarke also ruled out any such apprehension and said: “We have a security expert with us and he is doing his job. The team has full faith in our cricket board and the Australian Cricketers Association and we know they are taking the right decisions.”

Pace spearhead Brett Lee too looked equally relaxed and convinced that organisers had put in place a foolproof system for the visitors. “They have put in place a comprehensive security system and we are going by the judgement of the security experts. I don’t think there is anything to worry,” Lee said.

Senior batsman Matthew Hayden was also satisfied with arrangements and said, “I’m very confident that they have put enough security in place and it would remain same for the remainder of the tour.”

Opener Phil Jacques, however, felt it is only natural to have concerns after a blast but said he was not worried. “Whenever a bomb goes off, there is some concern but Cricket Australia and the BCCI are working together and got a security system in place. I don’t have any concern, I’m just looking forward to the series coming up,” he said.

Team-mate Simon Katich and rookie spinner Bryce McGain were no exception either and the duo said they were feeling “safe and comfortable”.

—Agencies