Postcards
 Look Out For What?
by Luke Gillian , 20/07/2008 17:48:41
Indian signs have made posters the world over, and no matter how many times you travel India, the variety of 'declarations' never ceases to amaze. This sign was (in 2004) on platform 6 at Bangalore City Railway Station. Not ignoring the paint runs and etchy stencilling to make you read it twice, but to watch out for pickpockets (the most meek of railway crimes) and bombs (the greatest cause of carnage the world over), leaves much in between to look out. The way it is written I half expected to see a stack of C4 and an alarm clock, at my feet, or a pickpocket! Only 2months til the next tour! [...see this postcard] PINKING UP!
by Luke Gillian , 26/06/2008 16:24:33
It was very sad news, the passing of Jane McGrath, a woman that had be so strong for 11years that most will never know the sacrifices she made so that others wouldn't suffer as she had. The McGrath Foundation has done some amazing work, so it was without question that The Flag 'pinked up' for the ODI in St Vincent as a tribute to Jane. Saying this I would like to commend Belinda 'Bumble' Spry (pictured) on her work through our West Indies Tour with the 'Chicks on Tour' to generate more than Aud$2000 for the McGrath foundation, a figure that will continue to grow, as are the number of 'Chicks on Tour' with The Flag. Great Work Bumble, Superstar!
[...see this postcard] PINKING UP!
by Luke Gillian , 26/06/2008 16:23:50
It was very sad news, the passing of Jane McGrath, a woman that had be so strong for 11years that most will never know the sacrifices she made so that others wouldn't suffer as she had. The McGrath Foundation has done some amazing work, so it was without question that The Flag 'pinked up' for the ODI in St Vincent as a tribute to Jane. Saying this I would like to commend Belinda 'Bumble' Spry on her work through our West Indies Tour with the 'Chicks on Tour' to generate more than Aud$2000 of funding for the McGrath foundation, a figure I am sure will continue to grow, as are the number of 'Chicks on Tour' with The Flag. Great Work Bumble, Superstar! [...see this postcard] PINKING UP!
by Luke Gillian , 26/06/2008 16:22:34
It was very sad news, the passing of Jane McGrath, a woman that had be so strong for 11years that most will never know the sacrifices she made so that others wouldn't suffer as she had. The McGrath Foundation has done some amazing work, so it was without question that The Flag 'pinked up' for the ODI in St Vincent as a tribute to Jane. Saying this I would like to commend Belinda 'Bumble' Spry on her work through our West Indies Tour with the 'Chicks on Tour' to generate more than Aud$2000 of funding for the McGrath foundation, a figure I am sure will continue to grow, as are the number of 'Chicks on Tour' with The Flag. Great Work Bumble, Superstar! [...see this postcard] PINKING UP!
by Luke Gillian , 26/06/2008 16:12:54
It was very sad news, the passing of Jane McGrath, a woman that had be so strong for 11years that most will never know the sacrifices she made so that others wouldn't suffer as she had. The McGrath Foundation has done some amazing work, so it was without question that The Flag 'pinked up' for the ODI in St Vincent as a tribute to Jane. Saying this I would like to commend Belinda 'Bumble' Spry on her work through our West Indies Tour with the 'Chicks on Tour' to generate more than Aud$2000 of funding for the McGrath foundation, a figure I am sure will continue to grow, as are the number of 'Chicks on Tour' with The Flag. Great Work Bumble, Superstar! [...see this postcard] SWOOOOSH!
by Luke Gillian , 19/06/2008 23:21:38
It's very common for The Flag to hit the water before or after a test match and Barbados was no exception to this rule as we party cruised up the West Coast from Bridgetown for one of our more pleasurable adventures on the water after the 3rd Test. Not that we wouldn't have preferred plank walking and rope swinging off The Jolly Roger with 2003 memories, however Roger had been sold so instead it was water sliding off the MV Harbour Master which was just as exciting after a skinful of Rum Punch, but I am sure the most sober Flagger thrilled to Lisbeth swooshing past in her chick pink swimsuit! [...see this postcard] Kool Kensington!
by Luke Gillian , 19/06/2008 23:20:15
Kensington Oval has changed hugely over the years (all for the 2007 World Cup) and probably one of the better elements has been the Statue of the great Sir Garfield Sobers out the front, an attraction for many visitors to The Oval as the venue is endeared. Alasat the end of the game, a many Flaggers dragged their heals and missed this particular shot, and although they made the next one I didn't take the photo, and hence the junkie out of focus, people missing snapshot has failed to make it. Nonetheless, at the end of a cracking match it was great to get an almost 'full team' snap to add to the Flag's ever-growing Cricket Histories!
[...see this postcard] Happy 400th Flagger!
by Luke Gillian , 19/06/2008 23:18:23
Since The Flag inaugurated The Flaggy Greenin South Africa 2years ago, we have welcomed several hundred old and new Flaggers across the cricket wortld so it was quite fitting that in Jamaica last May, when Brad Haddin was awarded his Baggy Green as Australia's 400th Test Player, that The Flag also awarded Kevin Hawking his Flaggy Green as our 400th Flagger. Kev thought it would be a nice idea to have his photo taken with Brad so after the Barbados Test, I ventured into the dressing room to ask Brad if he would oblige Kevin his wish, and don't they make a nice couple!! [...see this postcard] One Happy Camper
by Luke Gillian , 19/06/2008 23:16:59
Melissa hadn't had the best of luck throughout her short time in the region and after a week with us in Barbados she finally cracked a big smile. Mel was unfortunate to have her day bag stolen (with camera, diary, cash, etc...) in Costa Rica, then even worse had to fly American Airlines (AA) to Barbados, and then not sprisingly arrived in Barbados without her luggage, only to wait 6days for it during which time she had her purse stolen in a bar. AA finally realised her bag had been at Barbados Airport for 4days under the wrong name (typical of the world's worst airline), and so at our post test match dinner when the announcement came her bag was back, Melissa went to the bar to celebrate, and then to her room to wear everything she hadn't for the last week! [...see this postcard] Amazing Anguilla!
by Luke Gillian , 08/06/2008 20:20:09
There is heaps to do on St Martin, however much of the island’s tourism is water based, supported by the innumerable boat services to neighbouring islands for which the British territorial island of Anguilla is the closest. Known for her whiter-than-white sand, gourmet food, and exclusive hotels, 20 Flaggers boarded Flipper 3 for 90mins sail to the north coast to snorkel the shallow reefs amid thousands of fish, before sailing for lunch at Johnno’s and cricket on the beach. A 90min sail back to the south coast for a swim in a very secluded beach, and an unfortunate 60mins sail back to France ended a very soothing day.
[...see this postcard] Welcome Back Chris!
by Luke Gillian , 08/06/2008 20:18:28
It was with disappointment that Flagger Chris fell ill in Antigua and needed hospitalization for 2nights and thus miss the start of our St Martin adventure, which included the afternoon plane spotting. Though Chris missed the excitement of the Air France A340 at 1.33pm we warmed to his getting better by welcoming Chris as his little flight from Antigua buzzed the beach. Chris didn’t miss out totally as he left the airport and came straight to the Sunset Beach Bar to watch the giant KLM MD11 drop in at 5.12pm. Who could miss that?
[...see this postcard] Your Flight Has Landed
by Luke Gillian , 08/06/2008 20:01:03
It’s no secret The Flag enjoys plane spotting between overs, and there is no better place to do so than St Martin, the chic European Caribbean Island. Though St Martin has some of the Caribbean’s finest food and duty-free extravaganzas as reason to visit, for The Flag it is sitting at the Sunset Beach Bar, under final approach to Princess Juliana International Airport that gets the emotions fired up. When you can almost read the brand name on the tyre of the plane soaring over, even the most hard-lined plane haters among us did quip at the thrill.
[...see this postcard] A Few On A Cruise
by Luke Gillian , 08/06/2008 19:59:12
We love our cricket, and being entertained for 5 days in both Jamaica and Antigua did not leave us with much spare time, there must always be time created to get onto the crystalline waters as we did here in Antigua. Not everyone was in the mood after a tough night prior celebrating the draw, but the smooth sail south for snorkeling on Cades Reef for a few hours before a hearty lunch and party cruise back, was a memorable day for many new Flaggers, and yet another crackerjack day for those that have been there, done that, and will certainly do so again!
[...see this postcard] Very Cool Runnings
by Luke Gillian , 05/06/2008 01:41:24
You'd have to be under-10 not to have at least heard of the movie Cool Runnings (based on the 1988 Calgary Olympics Jamaica Bobsled Team), so when The Flag kick started the tour in Montego Bay, living just 100m from the Jamaican Bobsled Cafe, it was unanimous that we should enjoy our first 'team feed' in the company of a Jamaican Bobsled while the famous movie playing on loop created a constant, yet pleasurable, distraction. A few Red Stripes later and naturally enough it was into the bobsled we clambered, squashed, and jammed. If this is sled is lifesize, it's no suprise 4 Jamaicans blokes found it hard to get in when they first pushed off if four Chicks on Tour couldn't. Nonetheless, great place for a laugh, to start a great tour.
[...see this postcard] Jiving In Jamaica!
by Luke Gillian , 05/06/2008 01:40:27
The Caribbean always shares a social spirit at the cricket grounds with food, rum, and especially music and dancing. Although each venue has a massive sound system that thunders cracking good music across the ground all day, every day, there are still smaller marching bands that have their place. In Sabina Park, The Flag had the pleasure of being entertained through the first test by this group of players and dancers, who performed a few seats across from us, for the first 4 days, from the first ball to the last. A very theatrical way to enjoy the test match! [...see this postcard] MARVELLOUS MOBAY!
by Luke Gillian , 23/05/2008 05:06:05
The Flag was thrilled to kick off our 2008 West Indies Tour in Marvellous Montego Bay on Jamaica's North West Coast. Commuting 30mins to and from Trelawny for the tour game might have been taxing had it not been for living in one the Caribbean's hottest destinations, most of which straddles the 'Hip Strip'. Only a few hundred metres, there's not too much reason to venture far from the Reggae Lounges, Casino's, Restaurants, cafes, hotel bars, and Margarita Mayhem of Gloucester Street, so thankfully our hotel was smack bang in the middle of it all, and for 6nights that's where we resided. What a brillo way to start the tour!!
[...see this postcard] SUN, SAND, BUT NO SURF IN SABINA PARK
by Luke Gillian (Photo: Dean Marshall) , 14/02/2008 12:38:04
Jamaica's Sabina Park may have undergone a transformation for last year's World Cup, but while there is no surf in Kingston, you can still swim and sun yourself while watching the cricket as DEAN MARSHALL (and other Flaggers) did so here in 2003 if not totally upending yourself with plenty of Jamaica's finest Appleton Rum, or the famous Red Stripe. There's not too much time left on the booking time frame so get your Togs and your passport, and get set to join The Flag in Jamaica, Antigua, St Martin, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada, and St Kitts in May - July.
[...see this postcard] Pakistan Bad? You're Having A Laugh!
by Luke Gillian , 02/08/2007 15:01:02
Australia's first tour to Pakistan since 1998 is fast approaching (March 2008) so get yourself sorted to join The Flag on a much anticpated tour. Pakistan has been in the press often of late for many bad reasons, and so is not without regard that you should consider touring. Although publicised incidents suggest all of Pakistan is burning, personal experience says it is not the case. Even amid the turmoil and uncertainty, many friendly people can laugh and smile and remain warmly welcome to visitors, especially cricket loving ones as these two lads pictured here showed when I was there last Feb (thanks to Pakistan Tourism!!). The Flag is all set for the tour, and just waiting for the all important itinerary to be released later this year. If you have queries regarding The Flag's Pakistan tour program, please send an enquiry, and for comfort you can also read CRICKET AUSTRALIA CONFIRMS PAKISTAN TOURS GOING AHEAD (feature article on cricket.com.au)
[...see this postcard] Through To The Keeper!
by Luke Gillian , 23/05/2006 08:36:42
The Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument to love ever built, sits on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra. Built 350 years ago, it appears ageless from the front, and even more so from the other side of the river where each tour to Agra has included a bash on the banks of the river behind. There’s no more striking backdrop for any sport in the world, cricket aside. When we walked the last few metres from the road to the river the marble beauty appeared through the trees and when seeing the giant mausoleum in all its beauty without a person in view, most Flaggers stood agape, whereas Hodgey here just missed the ball, his mind clearly elsewhere, and why not. Just look at the where we played the game, so who cares who wins or loses? Such a spectacle is the reason we came here…. And will again when next we tour!
[...see this postcard] A Bangladesh Wonderland!
by Luke Gillian , 27/04/2006 11:58:50
Many would disbelieve there is a 'Wonderland' in Dhaka. Peter, Melinda, Phil and I decided to visit this tacky adventure playland (just 7mins walk from our hotel) specifically to see an aircraft that crashed at Dhaka Airport last year, and was scraped up, placed in the park, and converted into a restaurant! Tasty! While discovering this culinary haven, a piercing wail sounded across the park. Following this hurtful chorus, we happened across Bangladesh's most prominent female actor filming a video clip for her upcoming movie. Aside the patheticness of 'Wonderland', it was the funniest thing we have seen in Dhaka; a procession of choreographers, directors, managers, make up attendants, and mobile phones contributing to the productions' painstaking longevity. If you've heard Indian Bollywood songs, the high pitched shrill of the female singers is disturbing for many of those from other countries. Listening to the tune over and over while watching a video production in a Disneyland themed play park was uncomfortable if not for the joyous reaction of the onlooking Mickey Mouse! He loved it, and so too did we!! The park is otherwise well worth Aud$1 entrance!
[...see this postcard] SEASIDE GIANTS!
by Luke Gillian , 22/04/2006 07:27:50
There is one thing to do in Chittagong, and that's visit the ship-breaking yards north of the city. While 12 Flaggers went direct from the match, and 12 decided not to go at all, it was hard yards getting in this time, but a bit of smooth talking, happy smiles, and the promise of no photography allowed 12 of us the pleasure of strolling through one of the yards where 2 ships were beached, one a simple stern only. The REGINA was parked about 200m off shore, and with pathetic alarms bells wailing, three winches were activated, the cables pulled taught, and inch by inch the REGINA was pulled closer to shore for work to commence at scrapping the giant carrier. If our day got better, watching a ship in the distance drive at full speed up the beach alongside REGINA was astounding. The wave of mud and water driven into shore as the ship bottomed out, the propeller spinning wildly above the water surface, as it sliced a groove into the sea bed, and slowly but surely she ground to a complete, and final halt. One new ship a week parks itself on the beach of Chitttagong, and a unique industry provides one benefit to the city, when the cricket's over!
[...see this postcard] Just A Passing Shower!
by Luke Gillian , 17/04/2006 13:36:45
This storm was savage in it's destruction of the grandstand, for a downpour that was called early as a passing shower! The temporary bamboo and cloth shading was slowly coming to pieces in Dhaka by day 5 but it lasted only until 12pm on Day 2 in Chittagong. With rain, thunder, and lightening fearsomely close, play was called off as groundsmen frantically covered the pitch before the weather struck. They did so in the nick of time, but it didn't help the galleries. The cloth tied so tightly to the bamboo scaffold frame became a giant sail, and in a flash huge portions, bamboo and all, of the colourful shade creation was lifted and thrown from the stand. The bamboo poles tied so securely to the steel frame of the fence, snapped at the tie, and in 15 short mins what was a pleasant viewing gallery became a sodden terrace of twised bamboo, cloth, rope, and spectators. It was quite spectacular to watch mother nature's relentless destruction. By the time play was called off, fellows were busily resurrecting what they could of the cloth, and by the time we arrive on day 3 and it will appear as if nothing had happened... possibly!
[...see this postcard] Another New Record!
by Luke Gillian , 14/04/2006 07:22:30
For those that have Flagged you will know we have a sweep everyday, usually waged on the batting team's score at the end of the day's play. Being our first time in Bangladesh, and the expected demolition of the home side, Big Phil went into our record books as the first to be struck from the sweep before lunch on the first day. At 11.30am, Phil's bet that Bangladesh will be bowled out for 92 was overtaken by some blistering Bangladeshi batting. For the archives, a photo had to be taken of his poor form being scratched from the list, and we are pleased that he could still bring himself to smile!
[...see this postcard] Walk on Boys, Walk on!
by Luke Gillian , 21/03/2006 07:10:36
Griff had a bit of bad luck in the darkness of Botswana prior to his South Africa tour, and winding up with his right leg in plaster hence the multi tasking of his crutch negated my need to give him a flag pole I'll give you the tip. Seated at the front of the embankment for the duration of the Cape Town Test Match, Griff's flag regardless was always flying higher than anyone's!
[...see this postcard] Congratulations South Africa... Ouch!
by Luke Gillian , 15/03/2006 13:13:38
The Picture says it all, surely? An amazing One Day Match with the history books again re-written! It was tremendous to be part of such an event, we might never see again!
[...see this postcard] The Rainbow Nation
by Luke Gillian , 07/03/2006 14:50:21
The South African Flag is one the more colourful you can find in world cricket and with each game, more and more flags are being waved by their people, as they cheer and support their lads on the field. At the start of each game we now have the national anthems, as well as 'Shosholoza' - a South African theme song. When Shosholoza and the South Africa Anthems are sung, the terraces look fantastic with thousands and thousands of South Africa flags being swished back and forth. When I see that, it expresses the great South Africa pride for their country, at the same time it confuses me why The Gabba in Queensland actually outlaws all flags into the venue, alas!
[...see this postcard] Somewhere Under A Bangladeshi Rainbow!
by Luke Gillian , 21/01/2006 06:50:26
The Colours of Bangladesh will amaze you. Everywhere you turn there are brilliantly decorated cycle rickshaws, massive fruit and vegetable markets, and certainly enough fabrics you could make a bright new quilt for the bed of the ocean from. This fellow in Dhaka wasn't too pushed for service or a smile, but I think he's conserving his energies for the Australia Test Series coming in April. There's still plenty of time for you to join The Flag on Australia's inaugural Test Tour to Bangladesh, but places aren't endless, so you'd best get the cheap flights booked now, and your Flag Tour booked thereafter. See you in April on the waters, and under the colourful rainbows of life that is Bangladesh!
[...see this postcard] Come To Kruger!
by Luke Gillian , 10/12/2005 05:43:50
Whether you tour to South Africa with The Flag or not, if you’re interested in ‘seeing the animals’, I recommend visiting Kruger National Park with Siyabona Africa Travel. I spent 3days with them last Sept and though, due to bushfires earlier in the year, the animals were scarce in some areas, Siyabona’s amazing guides and ground staff, excellent 9seater jeeps and game drives, the secure camp with stunning natural granite rockpool, spacious ‘single sleeping’ tents with mattresses and sleeping bag, 3 beautiful meals a day, complimentary drinks (wine, beer, water, soft drinks), all made the experience something I can talk about for a long time. I hope you too have the chance to enjoy a Siyabona Safari to Kruger, whose details are listed in our South Africa 2006 Tour Options. Also, consider a return flight to Nelspruit instead of the tiresome and cramped, 3hour road transit from Joburg Airport. Far more comfy, and few more airmiles too!
[...see this postcard] Tall Hat Trini!
by Luke Gillian , 23/11/2005 04:15:40
I first met Peter in Trinidad in 2002 when researching for our 2003 Caribbean tour, though recall seeing him on my debut in 1995! Peter is one of the front men, if not the front man, of the famed Trini Posse Stand, at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad's Port of Spain. Peter is best known around the Caribbean for his variety of tall and colourful hats. Being in Australia with his family for the 3 tests has not influenced change in his fashions. With a big Caribbean smile, each day Pete squishes into a new hat, always of a West Indies' colour. I like his Trinidad and Toabgo flag hat best, not being bias towards anyone that stands proudly under their flag! Great to see Pete and his young family in Australia and I look forward to seeing them again next year, and in 2007 for the World Cup and Test Series! Travel Safe Pete!
[...see this postcard] Looking Through The Traffic!
by Luke Gillian , 02/11/2005 13:50:22
The traffic in Bangladesh is chaotic at best, but looking through the bedlam you will discover a country and people so unique and relatively untouched by tourism, you will see more than a shed load of rickshaws and wheel spokes. Getting about in a rickshaw is part of life's drama in Dhaka especially, and also the most convenient means of hitting the streets and involving oneself with the calamity of commerce in the markets and ports. The first test starts April 9 in Dhaka and though only 5days after the 3rd Test in Johannesburg, you can make it easily to Bangladesh for a spot of Australian cricket history with The Flag. If you want to join us then get your flights and let us take care of the rest. See you there?
[...see this postcard] Cape Town Custard!
by Luke Gillian , 20/10/2005 14:25:40
Our mate Mark, from South Africa, was selected for the lunchtime ‘Johnnie Walker 1820 Challenge’, requiring each contestant to throw a cricket ball at 6 sets of stumps. The first set was 5m away, the other five distanced at 5m increments through to 30m. Each set you hit, and knock the bails off, you’ll receive $20 for the closest, then $50, $100, $250, $400, and $1000 for the furthest, equaling $1820, hence the name! Mark was woeful. He only hit the $400 set, and the bails didn’t fall. While he was taken back to the $20 for 3 more throws (before he finally broke the stumps) a Stewards’ Inquiry was held, and awarded Mark the $400 for at least hitting the stumps. This is more than I can say. I had a go in Melbourne, earned $20 first up, and didn’t hit another! Mark might have had a custard arm, but I possessed a ‘Noodle Arm’ if ever there was one!
[...see this postcard] Go England? Go To The Travel Agent!
by Luke Gillian , 15/09/2005 17:20:46
The Gas Tanks over looking The Oval were adorned for the first time with this enormous slogan of support for the England Team, and it clearly had it's effect. With the England Team riding the wave of Ashes success, the demand for next year's Ashes Series in Australia will be outrageous, so start making your travel plans now. The Schedule is not yet set, but will be in Nov/Dec this year! The Flag looks forward to seeing you next year, as I'm sure your travel agent looks forward to seeing you even sooner!
[...see this postcard] Environmentally Friendly!
by Luke Gillian , 05/09/2005 11:04:33
There might be 100,000's of cars, trucks, and buses on the streets of Dhaka, but the 100,000+ of good old Rickshaw is a sure way of ensuring that the beautiful trees and greenery of Dhaka lives on strongly for the benefit of all. I don't know how the poor bastard pedalling for a living through the dense soup of carbon-monoxide, and life dangers feels about the environment, but at least he might appreciate the cooling shade for a few minutes a day!
[...see this postcard] Racing Now, In The Rickshaw Stakes!
by Luke Gillian , 03/09/2005 05:32:53
The traffic in Dhaka is utter bedlam. As Working Dog called the capital city in their ficticious Travel Guide Phaic Tan, Bumpatabumpa! The empty strip of tarmac at the bottom is probably the most vacant in Dhaka at that time, but if you see behind the oncoming cavalry it is chaos. Never in all my travels have I seen, breathed, heard, and been jammed in traffic like that in Dhaka. There are reported to be over 100,000 Rickshaws (excluding 3-wheelers and taxis) in Dhaka and all travel a little bit slower than a pedestrian might on a day somewhat cooler than most in the Bangladesh capital. The wiry chap pedal pushing does have his work cut out, yet will follow you for a few hundred yards to earn the US$0.20c per kilomtre!
[...see this postcard] The Ashes Of Nottingham Forest!
by Luke Gillian , 23/08/2005 18:06:49
Australia has retained the Ashes in Nottingham during the previous two Ashes encounters in England and let's hope the trend remains! After which, we might once again take in the tales and legends of Robin Hood and his merry band of outlaws that include Friar Tuck and Little John, which date back to the 13th century. Sherwood Forest then covered one fifth of Nottinghamshire. This Royal Forest had the fiercest of Laws yet due to the density and enormity of the woodland provided safe refuge for those such as Robin Hood escaping the long arm. It was in the forest that outlaws found food, shelter and companionship with others prepared to run the gauntlet of the King's foresters. Robin Hood's Statue stands surrounded by the remnants of the medieval Nottingham, first settled by the Snotingas, invaders from the north of Germany, in the 6th or 7th century AD. William the Conqueror built the first Nottingham Castle -where Robin's nemesis The Sheriff of Nottingham resided- west if the old burh -trading centre-, in 1068 and became the chief Royal Fortress in the Midlands. The Castle is now a museum and gallery displaying an array of hands on stuff, bizarre 'Modern Art' and splendid views of Nottingham from the rooftop -but only if you meet George (if he's still there) who will take you on a personal tour to the top!
[...see this postcard] Back You Go Son!
by Luke Gillian , 17/08/2005 14:19:41
When the gates to Old Trafford were locked at 10am, leaving 10,000+ spectators with little choice but to go watch it on the TV, others took some unorthodox measures to escape into the ground on day 5 to see a gripping finale. Alas for this fellow, the only thing he found gripping was the barbed wire as security spotted him scaling the wall, and subsequently sent him back. With the money you saved not buying a ticket mate, you can buy an alarm clock that will get you to the church on time.
[...see this postcard] CONGRATULATIONS SHANE!
by Luke Gillian , 17/08/2005 14:06:38
The Flag again has made into the history books, albeit their own, with yet another record-breaking milestone notched onto their cricketing belt of brilliance, this time from the magic hands of Shane Warne, Popcorn! Marcus Trescothick was the victim who helped Popcorn snare his 600th test wicket, aided and abetted by Adam Gilchrist behind the stumps. Congratulations to Shane from all Flaggers! Your brilliant performances have been enjoyed, worshipped, and honoured by many, and long may they continue!
[...see this postcard] Living On The Edge!
by Luke Gillian , 09/08/2005 10:09:10
The crowd was on their feet (between overs of course), if not on the edge of their seats as Australia and England fought out a monumental test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The test was filled with colour, excitement, ecstasy, disappointment, and atmosphere built largely of the massive Barmy Army that filled the Eric Hollies Stand of their favourite home venue. No one could remain seated after the match that England won by two runs, as a standing ovation was obligatory for the two teams that gave us some of the greatest test match entertainment in England for many years.
[...see this postcard] Unmistakably London
by Shane Baisden , 31/07/2005 14:21:43
There are many images that you need not engage your brain to recognize and so many of these you instantly know are of London. Captured here are three London icons. The foreground shows one of the four huge bronze lions by Edwin Landseer that guard the base of Nelsons Column in Trafalgar Square. Nelsons Column was built in honor of Admiral Nelson (1758-1805) after his victory in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar off the coast of Spain. To the left is couple of London’s famous red double decker buses. Like sharing a pint or two in a 400 year old pub leaping onto the back platform of a moving double decker then leaping off when you spot that foresaid pub is enjoyably London. In the background is that great local icon know to all as ‘Big Ben’. Funnily enough Big Ben is not the tower, nor the clock but the bell in the tower, which forms part of the Houses of Parliament. The great bell is named after the first Commissioner of Works, Sir Benjamin Hall. Also in the clock tower is a prison cell for MPs who transgress against Parliamentary privilege. Last used in 1880 some may say that unfortunately it is not used enough today.
[...see this postcard] Happy Birthday Clive
by Luke Gillian , 26/07/2005 13:03:15
Our great mate Clive has yet again brought up another cricket milestone, albeit personal. On what would have been the 5th day of the test, Clive notched up his 40th birthday, celebrated wildly the night before as we celebrated the first win of the series. Clive has been around with us for many years, and we look forward to celebrating many more matches and years with Clive! Happy Birthday Clivey, The Chardonnay King!
[...see this postcard] CONGRATULATIONS GLENN!
by Luke Gillian , 22/07/2005 00:17:04
The Flag celebrated Glenn McGrath's 500th Test Wicket on day one, and came close on day two adding Michael Clarke's 3rd'debut' 100, but alas he fell short by impatience and 9 runs. Not to worry, he and Marto helped Australia to a commanding position by stumps. Australia go into day 3 with a 314 run lead, and only 7-wickets in hand. England may have the better part of 3days to chase down the runs, but with bad weather looming anything can happen!! Again, Congratulations Pigeon!!
[...see this postcard] Ashes Upon Us!
by Luke Gillian , 20/07/2005 11:12:09
The first Ashes Test is upon us, and though the team has changed markedly since this photo was taken in 2001, the venue certainly hasn't. Lord's, the spritiual home of cricket, is where Australia are for the opening battle against the old foe. All tickets are sold, and the anticipation is at an all time high, as are the 'on-sell' prices for entry in to the hallowed ground. Get there early to get confortable for the toss that decides who gets first chance to draw first blood.
[...see this postcard] West Indies Waving!
by Luke Gillian , 20/05/2005 21:15:33
It might be 18months away, and a long way off for many, but for The Flag it is around the corner. After a weekend on The Mound in Jamaica's Sabina Park watching South Africa destroy West Indies I couldn't help but revel in the excitement of the game in the Caribbean, and the anticipation of the 2007 Australia West Indies Test series and World Cup. The Caribbean Flags were flying proudly although the local heros were flattened, but the spirit of the game was not lost in Mound Mania. Be there in 2007!
[...see this postcard] Postcard For Tato!
by Luke Gillian , 18/05/2005 00:12:13
Our loyal Flagger Tato hates planes. Not so much flying in them, but looking at them. Throughout the recent NZ Tour, our mate Simon had much pleasure in pointing out the passing jets (Auckland international airport was just beyond Eden Park) to Tato who refused to look skywards. Using false motives (such as taking a photo and showing him the snap) to make him look at a plane, Tato was livid when caught out. I could think of nothing more displeasing for Tato than pasting this photo of the Cayman Airways B737-200 Flight KX604 lifing off from Jamaica's Norman Manley International Airport, knowing full well Tato logs on regularly and couldn't ignore it! Happy Flying Tato, see you at check in for Africa in Feb! And for others like Simon, Tato, and myself, Norman Manley is one of the world's best runways for watching planes take off and land as you can park up at either end!
[...see this postcard] Caged In!
by Luke Gillian , 26/04/2005 06:39:27
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the more photographed landmarks in The Big Apple, the fantastic city of New York. I've been to NYC 6times and never tire of the fast paced way of life, the superb museums and galleries, the vastness of central park, the bright lights of Time Square, and the 24hr subway to help get you from the Airport at all hours and get you home from late nights spent at the most diverse collection of bars, cafes, pubs and restaurants open 24/7. It's never too hard coming to NYC, but always harder to get out!
[...see this postcard] Playing With A New Straight Bat!
by Luke Gillian , 30/03/2005 01:46:53
Visiting Rotorua I was inspired by the woodcarvers at the Maori Cultural Institute and after speaking with Tane, whizzed out to by a new bat and return it to be carved by Tane with a wild Maori design. A beautiful piece of artwork, I took it through the Australia and New Zealand Team dressing rooms after the match and had it autographed by all the team members. Gilly stood still long enough for this photo to be taken, and to add to my ever growing collection of amazing crickety things! Congratulations to Ricky and all the Australians for a superb cricket series, yet another pleasure to watch!
[...see this postcard] Go The Flag Ship!
by Luke Gillian , 26/03/2005 08:20:34
What a way to spend 2-hours of an afternoon. As part of the tour inclusions, The Flag chartered the America's Cup Yacht NZL40 and with 4 of the experienced 12m Yacht helmsmen, we sailed the Hauraki Gulf of Auckland from 5-7pm. Once we got underway, we eaach hand turns and steering (this is Tatey at the wheel), but most of the time we were hands on deck winding and grinding the sails in and out and doing our best to remain upright, as best we could as the yacht heeled as far as it could/should/would go, as this camera angle might show. It was a brilliant experience and the Flaggers that climbed aboard have been, and will be talking about this for a long time since!
[...see this postcard] Pull Up A Pew!
by Luke Gillian , 18/03/2005 05:25:00
It's not often one gets the chance to kick back and relax with a paper on a park bench to invest an hour or so of the day, but when the opportunity presents itself you take it up, if you can actually get up on it! Walking back from Te Papa Museum in Wellington, Max and I took the opportunity to unwind with the paper on this monster chair. With many things to do for the day, we only had time for the photo, and there was nothing but junk in the paper anyway!
[...see this postcard] Hanging On!
by Luke Gillian , 16/03/2005 09:14:49
When you visit New Zealand there's one thing that has to be on the list of things to do, and that's jetboating, the original thrill seeking adventure. The Flag headed north to Hanmer Springs to run the Hanmer River with Thrillseekers (thrillseeker.co.nz) for a 40mins hoon through the canyons. It was a fabulous way to spend a small part of the day that also included immersing for a few hours in the Hanmer thermal springs, playing mini golf, and getting lost in the Maze of Adventure, all for NZ$160 including the car hire to get the 125km from Christchurch. Lets hope the lads can end the 2nd test in 4 days giving more opportunity for more of the adventures NZ has to offer!
[...see this postcard] Screeeeeamer.....Almost!
by Luke Gillian , 14/03/2005 09:40:21
During the 2000 series in New Zealand we enjoyed access to the field during the lunch break. The Subsequent years around the world suggested that pleasure was a thing of the past, but I was pleasingly wrong. 5-mins before the players adjourned, the announcement was made that we could go on to the field for 30mins, so without hesitation, the footy was brought out, and the speckies were taken as we kicked to kick. Well, in this case, Gluv tried to take the specky! I don't know what we was trying to bring down, but if you look where Gluv is focussed, and look at Matt to the right waiting for the ball to come down, I think it fair to suggest Gluv was playing for the camera only. It made a good photo, and an easy uncontested mark for Matt!
[...see this postcard] Still Having A Ball!
by Luke Gillian , 07/03/2005 18:46:18
Now the ODI Sreies has gone and the Test Series is underway, and The Flaggers have arrived and Christchurch is such a good place for going out, and having a great time, well, the match report and diary will be up at the game's end. it's been an indifferent Test Match thus far with not a greta impetus behind any of it really, and if it continues as is after day 2, we should see an enthralling 5-dayer once more! Gotta Go, Happy Hour's Started!
[...see this postcard] Not This Time!
by Luke Gillian , 02/03/2005 21:02:41
The westher in Wellington has a fond reputation of being moist, like rather! For some very strange reason, we've seen one day of rain in the time we've been here, so when we fronted to The Basin Reserve for the 4th ODI, the conditions were nothing like this thank god! Thanks god that we do have conditions like this at other times, like here last November when I came to the Basin! It can rain all it likes for the next two weeks, just so long as we have a dry Test Match in one of test Cricket's great venues!
[...see this postcard] Minus How Much?
by Luke Gillian , 27/02/2005 10:17:59
Minus 5, the bar made entirely of ice is found on Auckland¡¯s Princess Wharf. Conceived by a couple mates whose car broke down while driving across a wintery Siberia and discovered the only thing in the car that didn¡¯t freeze was the vodka. Returning to Auckland to start freezing a hell of a lot of water, and mixing vodka cocktails, Minus 5 opened not long ago, and is a must go place when in Auckland (and Queenstown, and soon Sydney), even if you don¡¯t drink, the novelty is worth it, as Brian learned the other night. From the central NSW Glenn McGrath country village of Narromine, Brian doesn¡¯t see much vodka or icy conditions outside his own kitchen cool box so were quite taken aback by Minus 5 when we took a 30min session in the deep freeze! The Flag has a flight booked in Minus 5 on the 24th of March, and with a few seats remaining, if you care to join us then let me know.
[...see this postcard] Aaaaaaarrrrrggggghhhhh!
by Luke Gillian , 25/02/2005 21:18:33
New Zealand cricket must be in a bad state, or if you feel like getting the blood pumping a little harder, quicker, and longer than it would if you just had a triple espresso, then do as this lad did and take a 192m jump off the edge of Auckland¡¯s Skytower. Seeing jumpers from both the top (from the viewing gallery), and bottom did not make me feel any less excited about doing more than taking the glass bottom elevator up and down, but it certainly made me appreciate how much I love my feet on terra firma!
[...see this postcard] How Much? Not Much!
by Luke Gillian , 24/02/2005 23:31:44
In all hostel kitchens, there is a ‘free food’ bucket/bin/box in the fridge, and/or on the shelf depending who fished from it last. Well, this domain of saving can be filled with many useful ingredients, many just to make up a shortfall of salt, pepper, sugar, rice, jam, bread, maybe a tomato, or even some pasta for all to use. I’m not sure if they’re meant to be all used at once though. Whatever, it’s free food and these girls from Berlin were on a tighter than usual budget, and of all this on their table, the cheese was the only thing they’d bought. The rest, all free food! I took the photo because I’d never seen so much mess on one table just to feed two girls. If there was consolation, they only had to throw out what they didn’t finish.
[...see this postcard] A Historical Journey!
by Luke Gillian , 22/02/2005 23:23:13
The Christchurch Trams were, like so many cities of the world, an integral part of the public transport network through the 1800's and into the mid 1900's, until diesel buses took over and, like the horse that used to pull them, the trams were put to pasture. The dedication of the Tramway Historical Society finally saw the Tram re-introduced to the Christchurch streets in 1995, and now form an integral part of Chirstchurch tourism. Operating on a circle route, the beautifully restored trams, minus the horse, will take you to the most popular attractions around the city, including Cathedral Square, the Art Gallery, Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, Victoria Square, and the New Regent Street where a string of 'Spanish Mission' styled buildings house restaurants, cafes, and bars. The Tram route takes 30-mins, is fully guided, and is a pleasant way to see Christchurch. The Hop On Hop Off ticket allows you to visit each attraction at leisure over a 48-hour period, and well worth the NZ$12.50.
[...see this postcard] Any Time You're Ready!
by Luke Gillian , 20/02/2005 22:35:29
What is it with sightscreens the world over? I have this postcard, as I had one from India, and one from Melbourne, as I want to make a point that something so necessary to the game is so often so neglected. The teams took to the feild at Eden Park for the Twenty20 for a 7pm start, and with only 75mins to get the overs bowled, had to wait until 7.02pm for the sightscreen attendant to find the tractor (complete with two lads on the front to weigh it down!) to shift the screen in place. As he was dragging and pushing and trying to position the screen, the teams and umpires standing keen to get on with it, the driver reversed and drove over the TV Cables dragging them with every nudge. I had to laugh as I imagined the cables being snapped, the TV coverage snapped, the game called off and the shortest version of the game not even going one ball! It didn’t happen thankfully but it was a humourous thought. I often think ‘only in India’ but there’s a little bit of India in all of us!
[...see this postcard] Super Sushi!
by Luke Gillian , 17/02/2005 01:43:12
Apart from many Japanese traveller¡¯s insatiable love for packing everything they own in plastic shopping bags, we love the Japanese and the food heaven they have brought Auckland. In fact you might at times forget you are in Auckland with the explosion of Japanese (among other east Asian eateries) restaurants, snack shops, corner counters, and sushi and sake bars in central Auckland where you can indulge in a wholesome gastronomic gorge! Everywhere you turn there¡¯s a sushi roll waiting to be eaten, but if you prefer the more casual approach, a good Teppanyaki washed down with hot sake, and authentic karaoke then you¡¯ve more than one great choice, but my fave is Ken Yakitori, pictured here! Try it out, it¡¯s ¡®Rawsome¡¯!
[...see this postcard] The Tour Has Lift Off!
by Luke Gillian , 16/02/2005 05:53:23
The NZ Tour has started and what better way to celebrate than with a photo of the impressive Sky Tower, Auckland¡¯s landmark high point. The Flag has included a climb to the observation deck in its Test Match tour option, and any one headed over this way should head up. You can actually leap off the side (at the widest point naturally) if you feel the need to throw yourself off a perfectly stable tower. It¡¯s not a bungy per se, but just when you think the sidewalk¡¯s the only thing about to stop your fall, the brakes kick in and you slow to a halt inches off the deck. Personally, I prefer to watch from ¡®terra firma¡¯ or take the elevator down! See you in the City of Sails soon!
[...see this postcard] Back From The Walk!
by Luke Gillian , 20/01/2005 22:19:22
G'day Flaggers! The Flag is back on line after a couple of weeks strolling about. With a NZ departure headed our way, the postcards, tour diary, among other regular site changes are in the offing. Stay tuned!
[...see this postcard] Where Are We?
by Luke Gillian , 08/01/2005 12:20:50
There's a 'previous postcard' taken during the India Tour showing the sightscreen attendant on his mobile phone when the he should have been fixing the sightscreen. Well, in Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere, on a daily basis we have reminders of our beloved India, and Melbourne is no exception. During the Boxing Day Test, one of the sightscreens packed it in and exhausting all possible avenues of repair from the ground, the attendant called on technology to resolve the problem. I'm confident the Mumbai attendant was on the phone to his mate talking footy results or the like, and the Melbourne attendant was seeking further assistance, but the sight nonetheless made me smile and reminded me how similar our worlds can be, no how different they appear!
[...see this postcard] Congratulations Clive!
by Simon Gibb , 01/01/2005 12:56:11
After a pre match conference on Dee Why beach with a eight flaggers the day before the Sydney Test, Clive Russell retired to the press box to update his Test match Diary. Clive keeps a written record of each test he attends and must update it before attending his next match. One feels Clive has spent more than one New Years Day behind the computer! Looking for some inspiration, Russell surrounded himself with his photos from his recent trip to Brisbane, some Chateau Cardboard and his trusty Australian Flag. Well Played Clive, we'll all see you at the big game tomorrow to celebrate your 50th Test match!
[...see this postcard] Congratulations Australia!
by Luke Gillian , 20/12/2004 05:42:36
Congratulations to Australia on their record win over Pakistan in Perth. Congratulations to Justin Langer on becoming the world’s highest run scorer for the calendar year. And congratulations to Glenn McGrath for achieving new career best figures of 8-24, and becoming the highest Australian wicket taker at the WACA. It was a pleasure and indeed a thrill to be at the WACA Waving The Flag for you all! See you at the G on Boxing Day!
[...see this postcard] Blaze Of Glory!
by Luke Gillian , 12/12/2004 15:25:01
The sun sets brilliantly the world over, and whenever one gets caught by the glory of yet another astonishing sunset you can't help but admire it for what you think is the most beautiful sunset you've ever seen, the next one eclipsing the previous. And Geraldton, 420km north of Perth in Western Australia, is no exception to the rule, well at least not this time. The cameras went click click a dozen times to capture the moment of my time visiting Darren for 2-weeks before the 1st test against Pakistan. Either that, or there just wasn't much else to photograph during my relaxed time on Australia's stunning Batavia Coast!
[...see this postcard] Visit Te Papa And New Zealand With The Flag!
by Luke Gillian , 01/12/2004 00:37:41
The door designed by Robert Jahnke show Ranginui the sky father. When open it represents Te Wehenga, the separation of Rangi and Papa which revealed Te Ao Marama, the world of light. When closed it symbolizes the embrace of parents. Those who are inside the house are like the original whanau (family) between primal parents. This door is part of the Maori ancestral exhibition in Te Papa, the National Museum in Wellington, one of our inclusions in our NZ Tour Program next year.
[...see this postcard] So India!
by Luke Gillian , 23/11/2004 00:58:35
Everywhere we go there are memories of India, and perhaps it was because I flew from Mumbai to New Zealand that I noticed this sign in downtown Auckland which sparked a laugh, a shake of the head, and a constant smile. There aren't spelling mistakes or shady looking cartoon characters, but what I had to admire was the mention of Car Parks: Plenty! Usually, well as far as I am used to seeing, it has the actual number of spaces available, but to have it simply listed as 'plenty' all I could was think, India - there's no escape!
[...see this postcard] Go Girl!
by Luke Gillian , 14/11/2004 06:36:48
We Love the Melbourne Cup, or at least when we are offshore, the bandwagon enjoyment does overflow for many events, the greatest horse race in the world included! TGI Fridays was good to open their doors for us at 9am for the race at 9.30, so immediately after breakfast, the taste of omelette and dry toast still in the back teeth, about 100 Flaggers lobbed into TGI's for an early start to the pre-4th test celebrations by downing several pints of India's finest, while Makybe Diva made it back to back Cups on a soggy Flemington Track in Melbourne. It wasn't all that dry in TGI's either, but still there was no rain!
[...see this postcard] It Can Only Get Better!
by Luke Gillian , 07/11/2004 06:02:27
And just like the fellow up the page, young Adam wasn't looking too pleased with proceedings late into Day 3 with Australia on the ropes. Alas, for Adam, his cheer didn't swing, and he had to sit through the hardship, as we all did, of an Australian shellacking at the hands of India. We can't win them all, so we just roll up our flags and go to the next match with a bit more enthusiasm than Soff shows here!!
[...see this postcard] Howdy Cowboy!
by Luke Gillian , 31/10/2004 10:26:55
This little kiddie summed up the test match at Nagpur when I collared him in passing… for the umpteenth time in the day. “Mate, where are you going?” ‘Over there’ came his reply. ‘But you keep running back and forth and not watching the cricket.’ ‘I am watching the cricket, it’s that just there are too many poles over there so I can’t see!’ Beautiful! So it’s to only us that get frustrated with the Indian stadiums and their apparent love of vision hindrances. Never got his name, but he came to sit with us for an hour one day, and felt very comfortable in Nico’s hat. I’m not sure Nico felt comfortable without it, but he got over it, much like watching the cricket behind a concrete pillar.
[...see this postcard] Wakey Wakey!
by Luke Gillian , 19/10/2004 17:06:41
We all like to have a snooze at the game now and again, but whether we do or not is another thing. Unfortunately for young Eleisha, the Chennai heat, or maybe jetlag (having flown in only hours before the match) got the better of her, as she found herself having lengthy talks with sandman early into the game on day one. No mater how well she did sleep, she didn't see the end of the great game regardless. Maybe Nagpur will be slightly different, and Eleisha stays fully focussed on the game in front!
[...see this postcard] Fresh Fruit!
by Luke Gillian , 13/10/2004 08:34:11
There's not a tour to Africa or Asia when the local catering habits get a showing on the site, and there's no clearer image of what foodie life is really like in India cricekt stadiums than what you see early in the morning under the terraces of Chinnaswamy Stadium. These lads were making the fruit salad for the health conscious cricket supporter, now there's a contradiction if ever you've had one! They sat on the floor along side the fellows making the samosa dough, the lads peeling potatoes for the vegie croquets, and the boys making the ubiquitous chai. The activity in the morning is far more pleasing and pleasant than the carry on at the lunch break, but it all goes down a treat no matter how it all came together! Experience says we won't have it so good in Chennai, but we have fingers crossed!
[...see this postcard] Almost There!
by Luke Gillian - Words, Photo - Unknown , 11/10/2004 12:18:43
Our Bangalore Flagger Chris McDonald brought with him the Shane Warne World Record wicket counter and excitedly crossed off each wicket as Shane Warne 'Popcorn' sent an Indian Batsman to the dressing room for a shower, moving one closer. With Harbhajan Singh's superb 11-wicket haul for the match, it was expected by many that Shane would take the new World Record in India's 2nd Innings, alas, we have to wait until Chennai where we are certain a new world record will be achieved. Go Shane!
[...see this postcard] Exploding Colours
by Luke Gillian , 07/10/2004 15:51:11
India has coloured their matches. For the first time in many years, dancing girls were at the game. Pom Poms and tight clothing. All part of the changing India I feel. These girls weren't all that impressive for the movments they did, but they dis manage a chant 'East of West, India is Best'. Rather shallow when it comes to the dancing girl scenes of the America sagas the world is subjected to when US Sport programme enter the living room, but this is India, and I think it was a good thing. It's not that India cricket terraces are lacking in colour or vibrancy, but the girls were just another avenue of India excitement, with an explosion of colour and emotion!
[...see this postcard] You Want What With The Sightscreen?
by Luke Gillian , 05/10/2004 11:58:51
There is an unwritten law in India that says the sightscreen must have a blow out of sorts at least once a day. It is to be expected, and part of the India journey, but I thouht it would take a little bit longer to occur than after 12-balls of the match at Brabourne Stadium. There this fellow was clambering up the back of the sightscreeen to repair the damage when his phone rang. Not too busy to take the call, he simply took the phone out of his pocket and chatted away for about 30-seconds while suspended above the game, while suspending the game's progress. You can't really see the phone, but the reason I took the snap was because he was on the call! We love India!!
[...see this postcard] To Whom Shall I Make It?
by Luke Gillian , 01/10/2004 18:37:33
An Australia Cricketer gains more attention than and India player when it comes to impressing Indians. These youngsters were seated above the player’s area at Braebourne Stadium and when Jason Gillespie walked off after delivering a drink to Brett Lee, he obliged their wishes of signing autographs. Jason beckoned them to throw down what they wanted signed and then sat on the grass under the below to do the good deed. There’s only one thing more special than receiving an autograph, and that’s actually watching the person do it, hence the hanging as far forward as they could to catch but a small glimpse of Jason. This is only a tour match, you should see the interest in a Test Match!
[...see this postcard] Get Stuck Into It!
by Luke Gillian , 27/09/2004 19:05:24
After the 2001 tour I had a photo of Mark's breakfast on the site for quite sometime as a pleasant reminder of what it is like to eat in India, so when we sat down for this feed in one of Mumbai's backstreets the other night, I couldn't help but capture the moment. The 2001 photo was at the end of the tour, and of eggs, toast, tea, and fruit and all the good stuff one likes to indulge after 2-months of Indian spices, blends, and character. This photo is at the beginning of the tour. I'm not sure Mark will have the same wide eyed expression come mid-November, but we'll see. Bon Appetite.
[...see this postcard] Not So Flash
by Luke Gillian , 27/08/2004 08:26:23
We only had 31.4 overs of cricket against India, and young Flash was caught snoozing through a small percentage of it. Not that missing the occasional ball for some is menacing, but when you only have 190-balls to watch, and you've paid 50-euros for the pleasure, I reckon I'd keep my full concentration. But then, with all the rain about, young Flash was seen nursing a few lagers in the nearby beer hall for the better part of the morning, and I think the warming afternoon sun got the better of him. Howzat? Sorry Flash, but that's OUT!
[...see this postcard] Slow Day At The Office!
by Luke Gillian , 15/08/2004 14:03:38
This fellow is a key cutter, stroke rubber repairer, cum blacksmith, or at least that's what I could gather from his little set up in the gutter outside the Nagpur cricket Stadium. I was intrigued as to what he was doing, so much so I took a photo of his little operation that excited him so much he dropped what he was doing (actually washing his lunch dishes in a greasy bucket), set up his radio (why? I have no idea), and posed 'au naturelle' for The Flag. Many Indians like to have their photo taken, often get embarrassed at the prospect, and generally laugh at the action, but not this fellow, no way. I think he was an old hand at posing, and on my exit from the stadium, even stopped me for another, but I can only show one for now!
[...see this postcard] Doing It Tough!
by Luke Gillian , 15/08/2004 13:58:21
In Nagpur you will see more cycle rickshaws than anywhere else in India, or at least anywhere that the cricket has taken, or will take us in October. The bicycle appears to be the method of transport for not only people, but whoping great lengths of PVC Piping as well. And because of the rolling hills of the city doesn't allow much free wheeling, you too will see many people being pushed around in their rickshaw rather than being bicycled as the case should be. And the same goes for freight transport too, if the rider could get on the bike to start. At least thing young fella could still manage a grimaced smile as he toiled past. Keep working son, keep working!
[...see this postcard] India - A Well Ordered Society!
by Luke Gillian , 08/08/2004 12:28:23
Indians love everything in order, and love having their photo taken, so when Ravi at the silk store in Hyderabad saw me enter his shop with a camera, he shunted the young girl from behind the counter and took her place in the hotseat to smile in front of his piles of fabric. 'Smile' is loosely defined in India for when you want them to smile they won't (such as Ravi here), but when you are taking a candid snap, they can laugh their head off at the concept. Nonetheless Indians are photogenic in their own way and no matter how many photos you take in India, none will be the same. It is a brilliant country to travel with a camera, and the cricket snaps too can be fairly unique so come with The Flag in October and find out!
[...see this postcard] Toss At The Taj!
by Luke Gillian , 25/07/2004 11:07:56
The Taj Mahal, a stunning mausoleum of love, is the unofficial symbol of India and worth every cent, dollar, rupee, euro, and hour on the rails to get there and get in. It can never be over-rated, it is as beautiful in life as it is in image. If you are heading to India, you must see the Taj. The Flag is headed durig the October Series, and so should you. If you want to join us there, and perhaps do a spot of juggling, join us on tour.
[...see this postcard] Feeling Flat!
by Simon Gibb , 13/07/2004 23:22:21
Luke and I were feeling a little flat on our trip from Darwin to Katherine a few days before the first test between Australia and Sri Lanka... and it had nothing to do with the 8 pints of Pale ale we had each consumed the night before! At first we had both mistaken the flat back right to be an Army Blackhawk helicopter hovering overhead, but once the helicopter's rotors slowed down at the same speed I slowed the car down to catch a glimpse of the chopper, we quickly realised our mistake, and pulled over to inspect the damage. Thanks to Luke for changing the tyre and once again proving that as a mechanic... I make a pretty good sales rep!
[...see this postcard] Come To India... And Maybe Nepal Too!
by Luke Gillian , 27/06/2004 10:11:20
This is my favourite photo of Nepal, taken when trekking down the Kali Gandaki Valley in the Annapurna Range after the 1996 World Cup. If you're heading to India for the series in October, you might want to consider a side trip to Nepal before or after the tour. Speak with Travelworld, Glenelg (Details in India 2004 link) about the options available for connecting flights.
[...see this postcard] No Fish! No Porridge Either!
by Luke Gillian , 21/05/2004 16:59:28
Fishing can be frustrating for many, even the most seasoned. It had been years since I last went and after my latest here, I look forward to the next, only sooner, but as I sat on the shore of the lake, with my bait doing little, and the beer sliding down exceptionally well, I couldn't help but look sedately across the water, thankful Dagsy and I never wound up in jail the other day. I doubt the view from the cell would be as pristine as this! [...see this postcard] School Uniforms Have Their Advantages!
by Luke Gillian , 17/05/2004 19:01:07
If you wear your school uniform to the game, you get free entry into the ground which I think is a brilliant way to encourage kiddies to see the game. I'm not sure Dagsy and I would pass as scholars if we wore ours (I doubt it), so it was probably a good thing to leave ours at home. With the lack of paying spectators, the kids make up close to 90% of the attendance, and give the game a colourful, noisy, and enthusiastic atmosphere. Just as well because the Test between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe was severely lacking in that area! [...see this postcard] And That Is Another World Record!
by Luke Gillian , 09/05/2004 17:00:51
The Picture says it all! [...see this postcard] A Perfect Place For A Barbie
by Luke Gillian , 09/05/2004 16:57:11
Close to the supermarket, on our way to the ground before the 1st Sri Lanka Zimbabwe test, we happened across this u-beaut braai on the corner of 5th and Selous Ave. I've seen BBQ's and street vendors the world over, but this 'open log' set up was a new style. It was big enough to cook a cow well-done, or just a hell of a lot of corn! [...see this postcard] Breaky Time!
by Luke Gillian , 09/05/2004 16:47:29
Breakfast is always important, and perhaps the most important meal of the day for a big day at the game and what better way to start than with a refreshing bowl of cornflakes. Dagsy brought 3kg down from London (cheaper there than here), and with the purchase of milk from the supermarket near the ground, our day started with a golden bowl of goodness. Another reason we'd like each game to go 5-days, but that's unlikely! [...see this postcard] Showing His Colours!
by Luke Gillian , 04/05/2004 17:44:47
Amid the social and cricket turmoil Zimbabweans are enduring at present, when it comes to the crunch, they are not shy to display their colours, even when the cricket team has been crushed 5-0 in the ODI series. For the length of the Game 5 at Harare Sports Club this fellow never relented in supporting his team or country, often seen running laps of the ground, rousing the small masses in song and doing his best to get his team across the line. The Zimbabwe colours looking a treat in the late afternoon sun, I hope the sun shine keeps shining on this great country! [...see this postcard] The African Smile
by Luke Gillian , 04/05/2004 17:43:46
The African smile I don't think can be beaten anywhere, isn't just brilliant? Not always keen to have their photo snapped, a few clicks of the button and then a digital slide show, soon has the more meek begging for a snap, if only for the opportunity to see themselves. Heaven knows the reaction of a video clip. Many of the kiddies in Takashinga haven't electricity, let alone a TV. This lad was one of the more extrovert of the few hundred that turned up at the game between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe A; his hand out only for a look! [...see this postcard] Ouch!
by Luke Gillian , 02/04/2004 12:59:18
Nico had an earache and couldn't work out why; and it wasn't because we had to perform surgery with pliers at breakfast either. Choosing to have a bolt through his ear, Nico scored a whopping great infection and thinking it might just go away he let it get really, really bad. Needing to rid his ear of torment, the only way to get the thing out was to attach his ear to pliers and twist, yank, tug, squeeze, and rip the thing out, naturally occasionally squeezing his ear too. Of course we tried to make it as painless as possible (really we did; if you believe that!) before the little steel culprit was finally exhumed from the depth of infection. Very Tasty for the breakfast table!
[...see this postcard] Deep Clean!
by Luke Gillian , 02/04/2004 12:50:43
Sometimes the washing must be done, and more often than not it isn't! Alas, there comes a time when sliding on a greasy t-shirt, crusty underpants, or grainy socks just can't be done anymore so it is to the bottom of the shower Dagsy goes to soak, scrub, wash, rinse, wash again, soak again, spin then tumble dry. Nice in theory, but instead of the deep cleanse our clothes need it is a light sprinkle of washing powder, a vague splash of water, a slap on the floor, and then onto the balcony for three days for a good dose of 'fresh air' which usually helps more than the wash itself, but not much!
[...see this postcard] Black, No Sugar Thanks!
by Luke Gillian , 02/04/2004 12:47:22
We Love Dilmah! Well at least I know I do, though many other Flaggers through the tour did enjoy a cup of 'Ceylon's Finest Tea' at some point. The turquoise green clad lads were missing from the first ODI in Dambulla, but from the 2nd ODI through to the last day of the 3rd test in Colombo the lads were ever present in the grounds, one carrying the tray with pre-bagged cups, the other carrying the thermos, always at the ready to satisfy a thristy Flagger with a thirst quenching Rs10 cup of goodness. Thanks to all the Dilmah Lads for their prompt and efficient tea service throughout the tour! [...see this postcard] Yummo!
by Luke Gillian , 02/04/2004 12:43:15
Eating out in Sri Lanka can be a nervous adventure for some, as it is across the region for that matter. Making your order by a simle point at a board, or misunderstanding the Sri Lanka nod (No) or head wobble (Yes) resulting in you not having an iota of a clue as to what you will get, at least you have the chance to walk into the kitchen and have a look at what is being prepared and if need be instruct the chef/chef's mother/brother/uncle/child as to what you actually want. But if you can't clearly express your wont for a vegetable stir fry to the waiter/boss/taxi-driver/chief bottle washer, there's no chance of you letting the chef know he has your order all wrong. But for the price you'll pay, you should be lucky to get anything. [...see this postcard] Tickets! Tickets!
by Luke Gillian , 02/04/2004 12:41:57
This has to be the World's best ticket office; no pathetically small windows to peer or speak through, no boring computer spat generic tickets like Australia, no bar codes, no receipts (and of course no change but you expect that in Sri Lanka), and no queues, except for the morning traffic that might rubber neck their way past the ground for a fleeting glimpse of a player! For all the hoopla surrounding a test series, and the officialdom we pass through, it is refreshing to see a ticket office so relaxed in their approach to the game. Perched under this tree in a little steel walled shed close to the stadium in Kandy sat four lads, not so much hawking tickets as making sure the crows didn't crap on them. [...see this postcard] I've Had Enough!
by Luke Gillian , 01/04/2004 10:14:24
Even the shortest cricket tour to any region can take its toll, no matter how pristine the environment. Lewis came for the 3-tests, and after 24-days roaming Sri Lanka, her beaches, bars, and cricket stadiums, he picked himself up and baled back to the UK. I think the beach he was on here is a far better palce to be than the UK, but no where near as economical! [...see this postcard] A Winning Smile!
by Luke Gillian , 30/03/2004 12:02:28
Sri Lanka may no thave won the test series, but there was still much to cheer about their cricket and the manner in which they played the game. This little champ spent the test match cheering loudly and waving his flag for Sri Lanka, and though he couldn't quite them over the line, it was the great top see such a top little bloke cheer his team from start to finish. I'm sure in a few years from now he might have more of an influence! [...see this postcard] Two Big Baggy Smiles!
by Luke Gillian , 24/03/2004 13:12:24
It is a prized piece of cricket headwear, revered the world over by spectators, players, and would be players alike. Only 388 Australians have had the honour of being given a baggy green for their cricketing abilities, while very few non-players have been given the honour of wearing one, and for the most only as a short tribute, or as a gift from past players. Following the tremendous win over Sri Lanka in Kandy, after invitation from Justin Langer to enter the dressing room, Matthew Hayden and Justin allowed Darren and I to wear their respective Baggys'. I recall Ian Healy telling me in 1995 when carrying the drinks out to the field that he couldn't give me the baggy green to wear because 'You have to earn that'. Those words rung in my ear when Justin handed me his. In a warming gesture, it was too hard to refuse and I think our smiles speak for themselves. Thank you Justin and Matthew for the special honour!
[...see this postcard] Gone To The Rope!
by Luke Gillian , 19/03/2004 13:07:46
We love our cricket so much that when we go on a day tour to a cultural attraction such as Sigiriya we still manage to fit ina bash in the park. Here you can see Smurf about to play a classic late cut. Off such a cracked and dodgy pitch, he did well, as I can report, to put bat on ball and set off for the single. Not that it counted for anything more than a digestive aid for his lunch, he still made it to double figures before compulsory retirement which in this game meant hitting a catch to someone in the deep! And before long we were on Sigiriya Rock... playing cricket! [...see this postcard] Picnic At Sigiriya Rock!
by Luke Gillian , 16/03/2004 12:53:58
After travelling to Kandy by train, The Flag spent the day before the 2nd test match on a day trip to Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temples. The Temples created over 2000-years ago, the rock a sandsone pillar rising 200m out of the dry scapes below, housed a palace on top, now only the foundation stone ruins can been found. It is only a 2.5hr drive north of Kandy and a great way to spend a day, The 2000 step climb to the top is well worth it as it presents 360-degree views across a lush Sri Lanka. It was just as well we had a brilliant picnic lunch at Na Mala Resort first! Nothing like carbo loading! [...see this postcard] And That's Six... Feet Under!
by Luke Gillian , 10/03/2004 12:13:26
Living where we are on Unawatuna Beach is what you might call perfect. It might not be the bets beach in the world, but then it is only down to the opinion of the individual in any case. Ending the day's play, the searing heat of the afternoon sun staring down at us from opposite the ground, kept the temperatures up for us, and the sweat to a maximum so come 5.30pm, it was a race back to the beach and a tranquil game of beach cricket using a banana palm for a bat. The weather was supreme, and though the rains came down late in the day, we were wet anyway. Dagsy led the way with the bat as his raised hand might attest! [...see this postcard] Capacity Crowd!
by Luke Gillian , 07/03/2004 11:56:20
Tour games do not attract very many spectators at the best of time, and for that reason is why I love them more than one day cricket. You can kick back on the boundary rope, or wander aimlessly around the boundary, chatting to players (different venues do or not allow this!) or just taking a different perspective on the game. These lads behind us at the game played at Colombo Cricket Club were by definition 'the crowd' supporting Sri Lanka. The little hill they sit isn't exactly a WACA Ground embankment, but they did cut a rather relaxed and focused pose for a rather relaxing game. [...see this postcard] Healthy Eating!
by Luke Gillian , 28/02/2004 09:00:13
Sammy's was brilliant. Innocent fun and good times was had by all, most of all I am guessing by Sammy himself, though Fire was his real name, he just looked like Sammy Davis Junior. In this small upstairs restaurant in downtown Dambulla, we sat at the back, were served great food, and ice cold beer, and generally allowed to roam free throughout and talk to other patrons, laugh out loud with Sammy, check-out the kitchen, and happen across this fellow having a bath. The restaurant/bar was full. Chicken Fried Rice and Chop Suey being served to the masses, beer and arrack being demanded from all corners, and in the middle of this carefree environment, this fellow decided it was as good a time as any to bathe. Not the thing you expect to ever see in the kitchen. You can be sure the staff are health conscious!
[...see this postcard] Fresh And Flavoursome!
by Luke Gillian , 26/02/2004 11:31:55
When you stroll the foreshore of Colombo's Galle Face Green, admiring the Indian Ocean sunset, the palatte is tempted by the sight, and smells of the snack sellers in abundance from 5pm. The offerings are limited to corn, a roti or seller or two, fruit (pineapple) or even a peanut seller, but what you will see most are three whole prawns fried onto a dahl biscuit. Probably 2 of 3 sellers have these, and though you rarely see people buy any, they are the most popular. Lined up in trays, as above, one piece costs US$0.10c, they drop it into hot oil for 30-seconds, scoop it onto a piece of newspaper and top it with diced onion and chilli and a squirt of a spiced tomatoey sauce. You might question eating 3-whole prawns that have been sitting there for an unknown period, but they are cracking good to eat! [...see this postcard] Which Way?
by Luke Gillian , 24/02/2004 05:15:58
Our first road trip of the tour had us leaving the peak hour hubbub of Colombo for Dambulla in the country's drier centre. Though Chaminda had every idea of where we were going and what direction we would take to get there, Graham thought he would orient himself with the Sri Lanka geography and highway around the country. After a few minutes of being buried in the map, he innocently asked Chaminda, "Where are we on this map?" For a start, we're up the other way Graham! He is a painter so his brush strokes do have better direction! [...see this postcard] Smokers Outside!
by Luke Gillian , 19/02/2004 02:44:06
If you can't find a seat on the train to Kandy, you simply sit in the doorway and marvel at the passing scenery. In fact you should do that anyway whether you have a seat or not, and whether you are on the train to Kandy, Galle, or elesewhere. And I must add even if you don't smoke! You can of course smoke anywhere you like on the train, but at least this fellow showed the courtesy a non-smoker would appreciate, or perhaps he just didn't have seat on the train! Either way, it's a nice photo don't you think? Well, I do!! [...see this postcard] Blue Moon!
by Luke Gillian , 15/02/2004 08:25:15
Unawatuna Bay, bathed in near full moonlight is soothing destination away from the bustle Colombo, some 120km south of the Capital. Most of the guesthouses along this protected stretch of coast have restaurants and bars allowing perfect immersion into the relaxed lifestyle the area commands. Australia will play the first test against Sri Lanka in Galle, only 5km north of this wonderful Indian Ocean retreat.
[...see this postcard] A Breath Of Fresh Air!
by Luke Gillian , 14/02/2004 09:01:12
Somewhere out there in the smoggy distance of Hong Kong's Chep Lap Kok Airport is Gate 41. There is also gates 42-80 but I can only thank christ I only had to run half that distance. I was perched nicely in the Qantas Club for a lazy 12-hours, enjoying the chilled Guinness, finger sandwiches, broadband internet, and hot showers before realising at 6pm I was on the brink of missing my connection. I think I had memories of 1999 when the Cathay Flight departed from Gate 5, a pleasant few minutes stroll from the lounge. Gate 41 departure lounge is a flippin long way from the Qantas lounge let me tell you, without inhaling any of that garbage filled air seen through the window. [...see this postcard] Home Delivery!
by Luke Gillian , 05/02/2004 14:24:32
There doesn't appear to be a great deal of work ethic when it comes to health and safety in the Colombo Fish Market. People stroll around with bare feet, they smoke, they use the floor for cutting boards, then when all's said and done, the bulky work is simply shovelled up, lobbed into a barrow, and wheeled off to the paying consumer! So long as the practise is consistent you'll be safe. Just be wary of the fish served in the hotels and fashionable restaurants, cause that fish has been handled in a variety of temperatures and habits! Nothing like the good 'ole street food to keep your tummy settled!
[...see this postcard] In The Fast Lane!
by Luke Gillian , 01/02/2004 08:27:17
Looking forward to our Sri Lanka tour, the mind casts back to the transport modes. The bus is the cheapest way to get around Colombo, though can be the most aggressive. Hailing a three wheeler is the easiest, but the cost can quickly escalate if you take lots of them, whereas for a minimum fare of Rs4 (US$0:04c) on a bus you can get anywhere across Colombo to the places you will probably want to go next year. The entire city is covered, much the way the perspiration covers this driver's body as he unflinchingly negotiates the fast paced streets of the frenetic capital.
[...see this postcard] Farewell Hookesy!
by Simon Gibb , 29/01/2004 20:21:49
The Adelaide Oval scoreboard with it's own small tribute to David Hookes during the Australia Day weekend of cricket. Photographed before the India vs. Zimbabwe game last Saturday, the board very simply summed up everyone's feelings. I was lucky enough to meet David Hookes many times when I was a youngster as my Dad used to work with him at a local radio station, and am, like many, very saddened by his passing. Rest In Peace Hookesy.
[...see this postcard] Shoe Shine!
by Luke Gillian , 20/01/2004 13:50:40
I'm not really sure the dust and muck in the air of Colombo will keep your shoes shining bright for very long, but one guarantee is if you need your shoes repaired, this fellow, sitting in a narrow doorway store tucked away somewhere deep in the markets of Pettah, will do so with pleasure and bright enthusiasm. Never had flip flops repaired, but if I need to, well, at least I know where to go.
[...see this postcard] My Favourite Tree!
by Luke Gillian , 15/01/2004 13:13:02
... has received another showing! The Flag's computer is offline for the next few weeks so I can't access new photos, instead reloading a few faves from Sri Lanka in readiness for our tour next month. There's perhaps not much I can say about this fantastic tree, except when you get to Kandy you've got to go see it at the Botanic Gardens in nearby Peradeniya. I just love it! This is completely huge covering an area about 30m across, and around, about 100 metres perhaps? My math is not as flash as the tree, but mathematics is not important at the gardens, a beautiful escape from the hubbub of Kandy!
[...see this postcard] Lost In The Translation!
by Luke Gillian , 14/01/2004 22:56:10
Timmy Shipstone and Clivey Russell were joined in the London Tavern Paddington, after Day 2 of the Sydney Test, by Petra from Germany after introducing her to the intracacies of our great game for the first time. From Frankfurt, Petra isn't the first German The Flag has shown the game, but in the same ilk of her previous countrymen, she thought it a rather funny game. Maybe the smile on Petra's face has more to do with Clive's definition of Short Leg, or Timmy suggesting she gets caught in slips. Either way, no matter what the definition, I'm sure it will be lost in the translation.
[...see this postcard] The Boys Are Back!
by Luke Gillian , 08/01/2004 00:47:04
Dagsy and Bradley have been absent from the game for quite sometime and it was fitting that both, who have shared many great times and memories of the game the world over, should re-unite in Sydney for Steve Waugh's final test. Looking the goods in their India 2001 Tour Training Shirts, the game was shining brightly both the lads, and instilling what I hope will be a renewed enthusiasm to get to more games in the next year, more often. I look forward to seeing you guys Waving The Flag again soon! Best Wishes, Luke
[...see this postcard] Go The Gilly Girls!
by Luke Gillian , 30/12/2003 09:26:49
The Gilly Girls hail from Sydney, and lobbed to Melbourne for the infamous Boxing Day Test Match. Wearing Australian Gold, and donning Australian Flag Oven Mits that happen to match (in colour) Adam Gilchrist's new keeping gloves, the girls tirelessly copied everyone of Gilly's moves from adjusting the hat, moving in with the bowler, and directing field traffic. With full spirit the girls cheered Gilly each day, and finally got their wish at the end. Gilly came to the fence and signed their mits, just as their sign asked. The girls will be there in Sydney, and not too hard to find I imagine!
[...see this postcard] 100 In The Paddock Next Door To Mums!
by Luke Gillian , 24/12/2003 11:33:26
It is that time of year when Australian families celebrate Christmas in their unique way. It's not salads and bbq's, washed down with lashings of beverages (though very common) on a hot summer's day, but it is the unco-ordinated game of cricket late in the afternoon. Team's comprised of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, grandkids, parents, and the kids down the street, get together for the game of hit and run, one hand one bounce, and 6 and out over the fence, while using nanna's zimmerframe as stumps. My eldest nephew Eamonn didn't quite get the 100, though slashing text book straight drives like this above suggest he is a few years from having the impaired vision at this time of the day that prevents the older (18+) generation from playing such deliberate cricket! Merry Christmas all!!
[...see this postcard] 40-Year Habit... Broken!
by Luke Gillian , 19/12/2003 03:37:04
Rick has lived in Adelaide for 40-years and never had a pie floater (meat pie swimming in pea soup), until now that is! It's not that one has to eat them just because you live io Adelaide, but it should at least be known to have at least tried one. Mark and I made our nightly stop by Cowley's Pie Cart opposite the GPO in the city, and introduced Rick to the delights of a cheap ($5) tummy filler. He didn't exactly do cartwheels, and never threatened to make the special journey from Glenelg to buy one, but now he knows! Unlike Mark who is a vegetarian! Mark simply enjoys the float without the pie!
[...see this postcard] Are You Lost?
by Luke Gillian , 10/12/2003 02:02:08
Sinead is from Trinidad! Yes, that large southern Caribbean island marginally north of Venezuela. And what exactly is Sinead doing at Australia vs India at The Gabba in Brisbane? Freezing by the looks of it! Sinead is in Australia for the next few months exploring our large land, and decided to take in a few days of the test match in Brisbane. Being from the West Indies cricket is certainly in her blood so the game's explanantion was not required, unlike the Flag Fleece to keep her precious tropical blood warmer than the Brisbane Tropics seem to have been doing.
[...see this postcard] Gotta Love The Tropics
by Luke Gillian , 07/12/2003 11:05:05
The Brisbane weather has turned on its worst for a couple of years and dampened the spirit of many that have fronted to see Steve Waugh's final test match at The Gabba. There's not alot one can do when conditions control much of the game except patiently wait for the clouds to clear. Having lost almost 2-full days of play, the game has taken the field intermittently during intermittent rain stoppages, and just when you might have thought the game would proceed unheeded, bad light, such as the bleak atmos here, brought an end to the short lived joy the few thousand folk were experiencing. Day four certainly was swathed in sunshine, and day 5 looks similar, but in the tropics, you just never know!
[...see this postcard] A Sad Day For The World!
by Luke Gillian , 27/11/2003 03:12:57
The sad day has finally arrived when the great man of Australian Cricket, Steve Waugh, has decided to hang up his infamous baggy green, after almost 20-years of dedicated service to Australian Cricket, Australia and the world's cricket loving public. But with pleasure we all have the chance to say farewell to Steve in what will be his final 4-tests for our country, in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and the final game in Sydney. Get your tickets, get your flights, and get around Australia to say farewell and thank you to Steve. See you there!
[...see this postcard] The Season's First Century At Adelaide Oval!
by Simon Gibb , 19/11/2003 23:47:46
Sorry Linley (previous postcard), but the time has come for you to pass! Who would have picked the first century of the season at the Adelaide Oval would have gone to the Wallabies? Just like Mark Waugh and Greg Blewett before them, the Wallabies chalked up a Test hundred on debut on the beautiful Adelaide Oval turf... and what a way to start, 142 - Zip against Namibia!! Pictured underneath the famous old scoreboard left to right, are Rod, myself, Crackers, Bernie and Pinky with the Flag, celebrating the win after the final whistle. GO 'STRAYA!!"
[...see this postcard] Lively Linley!
by Luke Gillian , 08/11/2003 06:12:55
Linley from Western Australia collared me prior to the last race on the card on Melbourne Cup Day, begging me for a photo (of course alcohol was present in the conversation!). Not really sure why, but between very animated pleads Linley expressed her love of our great game of cricket, and her wont to tour with The Flag one day. Naturally, I said 'no problem' and also told her I'd put the photo on the site, and though a few days later than I'd have liked, here it is, or maybe I should say, 'Here she is!'. If anyone from the West knows Linley, you can let her know she's now in cyber space as promised! Cheers Linley, nice to have met you!
[...see this postcard] Gone, Yes!
by Simon Gibb , 04/11/2003 23:48:00
Crackers is given out in trademark fashion by New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden on Day Four at the SCG during the Test against Zimbabwe. Great work by Billy to come over and have a chat with us off his own back I must say, certainly a rare treat to meet an umpire at a Test Match. A pleasure to meet you Billy, and we will see you in Melbourne on Boxing Day!!
[...see this postcard] Wake Up Adam!
by Simon Gibb , 29/10/2003 14:03:14
Channel Nine Camera man Adam Phillips taking advantage of a break in play to have a kip while the umpires decided if play would go on or not due to bad light.....makes one wonder why bother turning the lights on at all if you are still going to go off for poor light!! Oh well Adam, I see you're not complaining too much here! Thank for capturing The Flag in action for us mate....see you in Brisbane!
[...see this postcard] But It's Only Half Finished!
by Luke Gillian , 26/10/2003 10:34:34
Our West Indies Wave Slave, Sara, from Newcastle was surprised to have her photo snapped at the London Tavern after the first day's play between Australia and Zimbabwe in Sydney, but not as surprised as she would be when she gets home to see the haircut she received when she wasn't looking. If only she had let Simon cut off the flowing locks on the side before retreating to the bar, maybe she'd be happier with an all over nude-nut. I'm sure it will grow back eventually!
[...see this postcard] The Flag Baggy!
by Luke Gillian , 22/10/2003 10:58:20
It might look the part, but as we would all know you have to earn the real Baggy Green. Rosco from Albion Sports gave me a call early on day one of the Sydney test and outside the SCG members stand presented me with a 'Flag Baggy' to my overwhelming surprise. With gold trim, and The Flag logo on the front of course to differentiate from the real McCoy, this hat was hand cut and stitched by the same people that have been responsible for the Australian Team Baggy for almost 20-years. It was a wonderful gesture by Rosco and Albion and I cannot express my full appreciation no matter how much I try. Little sisters and brothers of The Flag Baggy are not available, but if ever they are you'll be first to know. For the full range of Albion caps, and other headwear check out www.albionsports.com.au
[...see this postcard] Go Zimbabwe!
by Luke Gillian , 14/10/2003 08:49:29
Go Zim! Not looking too pleased with the game so far, this fellow has come from Zimbabwe to support his side for the two test series. Wandering around the ground for the first 3-days, this Oke, (sorry, never got your name!) landed on the Western Embankment to see out day-4 adding a bit more colour to the somewhat sparsely populated grassland. Wearing a South Africa hat, a Zimbabwe shirt, and carrying a kangaroo, it was questioned who he was supporting but so long as he was there, that's what matters. See you in Sydney!
[...see this postcard] Sri Lanka Is Waiting For...
by Luke Gillian , 06/10/2003 05:27:34
... of cricket, cultural enlightenment, cricket, fantastic beaches, cricket, splendid hill country, cricket, ancient cities, cricket, religious temples, cricket, rock fortresses, cricket, mountain golf, cricket, elephants, cricket, fabulous food, cricket, frenetic market places, cricket, wild surf, cricket, wild animals, cricket, wild bus rides, cricket, fresh tea, cricket, heady night clubs, cricket, rail journeys, cricket, and much, much, much, much more! Come to Sri Lanka for something totally different.
[...see this postcard] It Is Finished... Really!
by Luke Gillian , 15/09/2003 15:00:31
Sri Lanka's newest cricket venue, The Rangiri International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla might not look all complete, but complete it is, and ready to host Australia next Feb. At least one ODI should be scheduled at this lake side venue in the country's dry centre, a stone's throw from the unmissable Sigirya Rock. Dambulla is about 70km north of Kandy, 90km from NE of Colombo, and the stadium? Like the flowers, ready and resplendent!
[...see this postcard] Piles Of The Stuff!
by Luke Gillian , 30/08/2003 14:16:09
Maybe it's the chef in me, but there's something uniquely interesting about food, especially when trawling the markets of Pettah in central Colombo. There has been more than tripping through Pettah to my recent trip around this dynamic little island, but if there's one place where you need to spend a full day, with a camera it's Pettah. You've seen the tomatoes in the previous postcard, and limes and ginger (interesting combo) in this one. Maybe the full-on fish market will make a showing next!
[...see this postcard] Tomatoes? Anything You Like!
by Luke Gillian , 24/08/2003 15:08:10
The market sellers of Pettah take tremendous pride in their wares, whether edible, or otherwise. The standard is to specialise, such as this lad doing the tomato trade. It is fascinating to see them lining the streets of Pettah, their foodstuffs simply spread on a blanket, or what could easily have been an old railway sleeper. It matters not so long as the product is off the deck, it's ok. Bit of a conundrum really considering the amount of garbage in the air, and the spread of crap with the people, pigeons, and pulse of the region smothering the area. The markets are bright, big, beautiful, and welcoming for anyone wishing to take an interest.
[...see this postcard] C'Mon, Give Us Your Best!
by Luke Gillian , 22/08/2003 13:40:27
You can joke about throwing up at the sight of something ghastly, more often it just an expression, but let me tell you, I couldn't eat for the day after seeing this fellow in the streets of Pettah. Taking an interest in the market sellers, he came over to look at the snaps I had taken, but not before taking a snap of his brilliant smile... only after persuasion from his mates of course. I was reeling as he offered me a chessey grin only inches from my face, and I think it were my reaction that sent his friends into a frenzy for a photo opportunity. Photo opportunity? More like dental!
[...see this postcard] Blurred Vision!
by Luke Gillian , 16/08/2003 07:43:59
The railways across Sri Lanka are lined with such a diversity of people it's hard not to spend your entire journey standing in the doorway watching life pass by. And occasionally the people take an interest in the passing carriages, though when one passes every 30-mins or so, the novelty I'm sure must wear off. All this should go unsaid I suppose, but I'm really looking for the right words to describe this snap of a young kiddie, his eyes the only thing in focus, and by chance looking straight down the lens. Only just got him too!
[...see this postcard] A Close Shave
by Luke Gillian , 16/08/2003 07:42:38
If you're that way inclined, such as lazy or seeking a therapeutic change, get into a local hairdresser when in Sri Lanka next year. Having a 'blade shave' from your apple to apex is a rather refreshing change from the usual visit to the salon, not that I would know. For Rs250 (Aud$4), sit back, relax and let the little china do all the work for the ensuing 30-mins. They'll give you 2 shaves, a head massage, and some excellent stinging tonic to finish. And by the way, you'll be looking for a 'saloon' and not a 'salon'. There's plenty of stuff to drink inside, but not recommended!
[...see this postcard] St Patrick's Year!
by Luke Gillian , 16/08/2003 07:40:52
Rivers that flow through cities with a large Irish population, are often dyed green when celebrating St Patrick's Day. In Colombo, Sri Lanka, however, the water flowing around Slave Island in the heart of the city is this colour naturally, or indeed unnaturally pending how you look at it! One can't deny that it isn't a brilliant green, and aided with the rich palm and bush lined banks, Colombo would be the envy of every 'Irish City' the world over on March 17 each year, though their Guinness needs a bit of work.
[...see this postcard] Who Ate All The Pies? No Question really!
by Simon Gibb , 02/08/2003 10:48:26
Luke and Wisden, with not much faces, enjoying a pie at lunch time of Day one in Cairns. The first session was hard work and the boys appeared to work up a big appetite before stuffing their faces at the first opportunity during the interval, which answered that age old question commonly asked at the cricket....."Who ate all the pies!!"
[...see this postcard] Happy Birthday Clive
by Luke Gillian , 30/07/2003 11:49:38
Clive (far right) turned 38 this very special week of the Cairns test, so to celebrate he and Simon (2nd from R) ventured north to the tropics for what they termed a 'mini-tour'. Seen here with their mate Jeff, and Christine, whom joined us on tour in the West Indies, joined Clive in the terrace of Bundy Rum Oval in Cairns to enjoy with him yet another 'Chardonnay Moment'. I trust you had a great weekend Clive, and look forward to seeing you in Sydney for the Zim Test. Best Wishes,
Luke
[...see this postcard] Cinque Terre - Teriffic!
by Luke Gillian , 24/07/2003 09:31:03
Over the centuries the Cinque Terre (5-lands) was developed by peasant farmers, a constant collective work to create this remarkable landscape in a little corner of Liguria, on Italy's north west coast. The 5-lands are the fishing hamlets of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Coniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Held up by 7000km of dry stone walling, cleverly built without cement the hillsides are a terraced wonders of vineyards, orchards, and olive groves. Under constant damage through tourism and the ages, the Cinque Terre is a National Park recognised by UNESCO as a protected World Heritage Site, and Protected Marine Area. The best way to enjoy the Cinque Terre is to walk from Riomaggiore to Monterosso, on the paths and centuries old flights of steps that link the villages on an 11km magical landscape.
[...see this postcard] The Champion Team... and Mat Johnson!
by Words: Luke Gillian. Photo: Dean Marshall , 16/07/2003 08:47:57
Matty Johnson isn't a small lad and I believe it would be hard for him to hide in many places. However, I don't think Matty was making great efforts to conceal himself in this snap of the Australians celebrating with Frank in Antigua. If nothing else, he nicely fills up the gap to the right of the pic, and lends the backdop a certain colour with the Australian Flag! Cheers for sending the photo Mat!
[...see this postcard] Tallinn - Ageing Beautifully!
by Luke Gillian , 05/07/2003 11:50:38
Tallinn, the Capital city of Estonia is one the world's best living museums. The waves of history that have swept the shores of this northern Europe city, the Danes, Swedes, Germans, Russians, and even slavic influences, have developed Tallinn into the medieval masterpiece she is today. The 700-years of architectural history give a compact yet virtually endless overview of external influence in the winding, cobbled streets of Tallinn's remarkable oldtown, hidden within the wall that at it strongest was 4km in length, 3m thick, and 16m high with 46-defence towers all the way back in the 16th century. Today, you can walk the wall, spiral within the towers, and even dine on top the ramparts that so define Tallinn. 2-visits down, I can't wait for my third!
[...see this postcard] The Great Saint Nick!
by Luke Gillian , 13/06/2003 12:47:31
The Cathedral in Senate Square, Helsinki, Finland, was completed in 1852 and formerly known as St Nicholas, named after the patron Saint of Trade and Seafaring, and the Russian Tsar, Nicholas. In 1959 Helsinki became a diocese and Nicholas' Church was renamed the Cathedral. The steps leading to the imposing temple is a popular meeting place for friends, and a comfortable spot to bask whilst taking in the scenes of the Square below, and the movements of the enormous ships and ferries that link Finland with Sweden, Estonia, and Russia, in the port only a few hundred yards away. The cathedral and square is used for exhibitions, concerts, and university events, and the prime location in Helsinki to see in the New Year.
[...see this postcard] Finally! Sparrow asleep!
by Darren Moulds , 03/06/2003 08:05:21
Mr Sparrow our fearless leader has been finally captured on film (well...digital film anyway) asleep at the cricket. Courtesy of Steve Chugg here we see him asleep at the Sri Lanka v Australia Super 6 game at Centurion (South Africa) during the 2003 World Cup. Sparrow has the uncanny knack of photographing the rest of us when we nod off during the cricket and so it is by popular demand that this photo makes the website.....In fairness to the Great Man though...the photo was taken during the lunch break !!!
[...see this postcard] Is Anybody in There?
by Luke Gillian , 29/05/2003 21:20:16
They couldn't make it any more difficult to conduct a transaction, short of taking away the chairs. In this day of cost cutting, you'd have thought to make the window through which one passes cash and match tickets bigger than 6" X 4" to reduce construction costs, and hence be at the top of the design order. It was not to be thus one had to squeeze their line of vision through the little gap of 4" thick concrete, over the printer and past the photocopier to the sales lady standing at the desk on the other side. It should go without saying that it took no more than 2-mins to receive the tickets for the last 2-ODIs, to be played at St George's Park in Grenada. Let's hope the match view won't be as obstructive!
[...see this postcard] Cooling the Heat!
by Luke Gillian , 29/05/2003 21:17:37
Grenada, The Spice Island, is one of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean, and hiring a car to circumnavigate the island via narrow winding roads through lush forests and stunning coastals routes is a brilliant way to see Grenada and it's people. Not far from the Capital, St George's, is Concord Falls. They're certainly not Guyana's Kaieteur Falls, but then at Kaieteur you can't jump off for fun (you can jump off Kaieteur, but not much fun landing 742ft later). The Concord waterfall has gouged a 6m deep pool over the years that, for US$2 |
