Reports

JOIN THE FLAG IN BARBADOS - IN 2011
by Luke Gillian , 01/06/2008 03:33:55
After years of anticipation, The Flag's latest Barbados Extravaganza has come to an end, and if you missed out this year, then you should only have 3 more years to wait. Should! Hopefully! Barbados is the doyenne of Caribbean islands, everything one would expect of a tropical wonderland. Bathed in sunshine for 300+ days a year, the waters are as crystalline as the postcards depict, the sands squeaky white, and the amiable lifestyles of its people deeply infectious; except perhaps when the cricket is town. The relaxed moods are put on hold when the teams take the field and replaced with vivacious energy. The music is played, the dancers groove, the chefs grill, fry, and roast their specialities, and the visitors invited into the frenzy at Kensington Oval, just out of the Bridgetown.[...read this story]

ANTIGUA! - JOIN THE FLAG IN 2008!
by Luke Gillian , 03/12/2007 03:36:55
Quite possibly the closest cricket ground to an airport in the world, the convenience of walking 100-yards from the grassy embankment to check-in for the flight to the next game, then walking the 100-yards back to the pavilion pub to wait for the flight, would make cricket in Antigua the greatest pleasure outside the game itself.

WEST INDIES GREAT MICHAEL HOLDING INVITES ALL FLAGGERS TO JAMAICA (ANTIGUA and BARBADOS too!)!

[...read this story]

JAMAICA! - JOIN THE FLAG IN 2008!
by Luke Gillian , 02/12/2007 04:00:55
Behind Barbados, Jamaica is the name that sells the Caribbean. It's the idea of a people that haven't a concern in the world. It's mile after mile of glorious beaches. It's rum! It's Reggae! It's the scent of 'wild herb'! It's all that, but maybe a little out of perspective when there's cricket in Kingston, not one of the world's most easy going cities!

WEST INDIES GREAT MICHAEL HOLDING INVITES ALL FLAGGERS TO JAMAICA

The perception that Kingston is dangerous isn't far from the truth, but over the years Kingston has definitely changed; that is quite noticeably for the better.[...read this story]

THE NEW SITE - PREVIEW
by Luke Gillian , 04/11/2007 04:27:04
The New Site is on its way and while I keep you waiting, I thought to show you an 'artists impression' of how the new site is going to look, in part! This is by no means the completed style, but a fresh colour scheme, and page lay out will make it easier to navigate to our forthcoming tours, and tour photos, postcards, and written histories of The Flag's near 13-years on the cricket road. I trust The New Site will surprise you all when it does enter your terminal. Thanks again for your patience, and dont forget, you can NOW BOOK FOR PAKISTAN AND WEST INDIES, AND DON'T MISS OUT![...read this story]

COME TO PAKISTAN IN 2008!
by Luke Gillian , 07/08/2007 12:14:18
Airbus is waiting to take you to Pakistan in 2008, however once you are delivered to Islamabad International Airport next March there are multitudes of big colourful buses such as this throughout Pakistan to thunder you across town, down the road, or simply help invest your cultural time, when not in pursuit of cricket and wonderment. And next year there will be no shortage of either as Australia takes on Pakistan on home soil once again, You Beauty! if you want to know more about The Flag's Parade of Pakistan, than what's on the brochure then send us an enquiry! See you there![...read this story]

THE FLAGGY GREEN - YOURS IN 2008!
by Luke Gillian , 01/06/2006 09:43:44
The Flag may have been quiet for much of the past 12months, however it will not be too long before THE FLAGGY GREEN is available once more.... to touring Flaggers only, with bookings for Pakistan and the West Indies officially open in the coming weeks, when THE NEW FLAG is released! Inaugurated in South Africa in March 2006, every new Flagger that tours will be awarded a FLAGGY GREEN and unique Flagger number. If you wish to be a significant member of The Flag, please join The Flag on tour and thus 'earn' your FLAGGY GREEN . If you FLAGGED prior to South Africa 2006, you do have a Flagger Number but will only receive your FLAGGY GREEN at our pre-match award ceremony when you next tour with The Flag. Hand cut, and produced by ALBION SPORTS, makers of Australian Cricket’s famed Baggy Green, THE FLAGGY GREEN as pictured, is embroidered with The Flag logo on the front panel. The Flag looks forward to welcoming you back on tour in 2008 and awarding you and many more new Flaggers THE FLAGGY GREEN![...read this story]

Australia vs Bangladesh - Chittagong
by Luke Gillian , 24/04/2006 17:37:16
The 2nd Test Match for Australia didn't come with the same sleepyness as the first, and it showed when Jason Gillespie ripped through the Bangers top order leaving them 4-41 inside 10overs, and as we expected before we came here, a 3 day game was on the cards. Bangers did ok to reach 197, but then Australia went to bat, and though losing Matthew Hayden for 29, Jason Gillespie came in as nightwatchman, and what a job he did. It will be hard not forget the next 3days. We only had 90mins play on Day 2 before the thunderstorm crashed through, and and trashed the stadium, but Dizzy stayed out there, and returned on Day 3 to bat through until tea and bad light, and walk off a centurion! 102 against his name was something we never expected to see but gee it was good as Australia marched past Bangladesh on their way to an imposing 1st innings lead. Day 4 was even more exciting, as Dizzy Gillespie, celebrating his birthday, went on to amass a record breaking 201 not out (pictured on the scoreboard here), as Australia took a lead of 384. Dizzy eclipsed some of Australia's greatest ever player's highest test score. Many will argue that it was only against Bangladesh, but you still have to get the runs! Pumped, Australia came out firing and by stumps had Bangladesh 5-195. Day 5 saw Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill mop up, and take Australia home by an Innings and 80runs. No surprise, Dizzy was man of the match, and series, and the great man is back! 3 ODI'd to come, and the inaugural tour will be over![...read this story]

At the Third Stroke, The Time Will Be ....
by Luke Gillian , 17/04/2006 13:33:45
The timing throughout Day One of the Chitagong test was unbelievable. With the match scheduled to start bizarrely at 10.10am, play didn't take place until 10.14am. 40min lunch break was due at 12.10pm, however at 12.05pm the umpires called lunch and 53mins later the first ball of the 2nd session was bowled. A 2-hour session should have followed, but no. 1hr and 44mins later the umpires called tea and we stood (especially Peter pictured here) rather flummoxed as to know what time play would re-commence. Quite surpisingly, precisely 20mins later we started the final session scheduled to end at 5.10pm. Add 30mins additional time to bowl near enough overs for the day, play should have ended at 5.40pm no later by ICC ruling and an untold number of matches past. With 3overs to go, at 5.57pm the umpires called light and play finally ended. Who knows folks, one set of laws for one game, and one for another. We love this game! At least we saw the umpires use what they rarely seem permitted, disretion! If the light is good, play on, even if the time is all wrong![...read this story]

Australia vs Bangladesh - Fatullah
by Luke Gillian , 14/04/2006 07:11:10
It was unbelievably touch and go! The expected three day walloping of Bangladesh by Australia in the first test, played at Fatullah, Dhaka, was drawn out into the second session of day five as Bangladesh came within a whisper of victory. Winning the toss and smacking up 427 I think even surprised the Bangladeshi's who batted with precision. Young Nafees hit a near match winning 138 in what was one of the finest centuries I've seen across the world. If Bangladesh improved on their first innings, it was rolling Australia for a shocking 269, a score only reached because of 144 by Adam Gilchrist. Bangladesh's 2nd inning has been their achilles heel in their short test history, and proved again as they were dismissed for just 148, leaving Australia 307 to win in more than 5 sessions of play. At 1/173 it appeared Australia were going to cruise with concentration to victory, but Bangladesh fought hard and routed Australia to 7/277 early on day 5. Ricky Ponting was dropped on 98, which would have left Australia 8/286 at lunch but Ricky went on to score 118 and, with Jason Gillespie, take Australia home with 3 wickets to spare. A fantastic Test match! Bangladesh will take so much from this, and Australia won't be quite so sleepy come the second test in Chittagong![...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - Sydney
by Luke Gillian , 07/01/2006 04:02:51
It was rare, as it was sublime, to watch a batsman score a hundred in each innings of his 100th test match. So rare in fact that Ricky Ponting became the first man to do so, and again The Flag was present at a record-breaking test match; the 3rd test vs. South Africa at the SCG.[...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - Melbourne
by Luke Gillian , 30/12/2005 08:24:02
It had to be one of the hottest Boxing Day Test matches in recent years. There wasn’t even rain, a rarity for Melbourne. Last year we encountered a day two hail storm, this year the temperature simply rose by the day to a sweltering 38c on day 5. Thankfully the final day lasted one session and one over as Australia took an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the lead, defeating South Africa by 184runs in the brand spanking new temple of sport, ‘The G’ in Melbourne.[...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - Perth
by Luke Gillian , 23/12/2005 22:09:36
Perhaps not the best start to a summer series that Australia would have liked, but nontheless a draw is better than a loss. Not that that is a positive outlook considering Australia had a 490run 2nd innings lead and should have not only bowled South Africa out, but end the game with more than 5 South African wickets at least. Conceding a 1st innings deficit of 38runs when bowled out for 258, and allowing South Africa to reach 296 in their first innings, Australia put their foot down in the 2nd innings thanks to a superb maiden test hundred of 203 by Brad Hodge that helped Australia to 528. On a 5th day wicket with Shane Warne doing his magical stuff, it should have been a walk in the park to victory for Australia if not for the outstanding 7hour vigil by South African Jacques Rudolph who ended the game 102 not out to seal the draw. It was fantastic hard fought test cricket that makes the remaining two matches all the more exciting.[...read this story]

Cape Town's Waterfront - Join Us In 2006
by Luke Gillian , 10/12/2005 14:02:49
Situated one mile from the city centre, Cape Town's famed Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the city's most popular tourist attraction. Still very much a working harbour, this beautiful development featuring over 250 outlets from fashion to alcoholic fusions is a 15mins minute walk from the Backpackers, and 6-7mins complimentary shuttle from the apartments The Flag will live during Australia's tour of South Africa next March! Though Cape Town offers much more, such as the imposing backdrop of Table Mountain, the Southern Peninsular where 'two oceans meet', and the sterling Stellenbosch wineries, whiling away your time by night on the Waterfront after a soothing day at Newlands Cricket Ground will be one of your more featured habits on tour! The first Test in Cape Town starts March 16 and The Flag looks forward to seeing you there![...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Adelaide
by Luke Gillian , 30/11/2005 00:06:17
If the West Indies had improved during the 2nd test in Hobart, then their performance in the 3rd test in Adelaide could be defined as world beating. Even losing by 7 wickets, the young Windies line up showed a lot of heart to take Australia into the 5th day of what was a dead rubber, and will take great steps into their next tour, and importantly even greater steps back up the world ladder.[...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Hobart
by Luke Gillian , 23/11/2005 03:49:08
Gee, it was great to be back at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. Australia last played Test Cricket in Tasmania, against the Kiwis, in 2001. This time, the 2nd test against the West Indies was the first time our Caribbean counterparts had played here. One thing’s for sure the visitors needed the jumpers, and more because they had plenty of time in the cool field chasing leather.[...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Brisbane
by Luke Gillian , 08/11/2005 03:15:00
I think the greatest expectation for the first test against the West Indies in Brisbane was if the weather would intervene like it has on many occasions. The West Indies last toured in 2000/01 and left after a 0-5 drubbing. If there was any consolation for this party expecting to be throttled, is that it is only a 3test series.[...read this story]

Australia vs World XI - Sydney Super Test
by Luke Gillian , 20/10/2005 14:15:36
Even following the poor showing by the World XI One Day Team in Melbourne, no one, least of all me, expected such a phenomenally lack lustre World XI display against Australia in Sydney’s 6-day Super Test. I don’t think the 6days was scheduled to increase the chance of longer batting performances, more than making up lost time in the advent of rain, but I’m pretty sure the ICC would have wished the game lasted longer than 4days. Even then, it only lasted until an hour after lunch![...read this story]

Australia vs World XI - Melbourne
by Luke Gillian , 10/10/2005 15:15:34
Billed as The Best vs. The Rest, the 3-0 scorecard in favour of Australia, though not marketer’s, was definitely Australia’s ideal result. Not having won a match since the first Ashes Test at Lord’s late July, Australia was up against the ICC World XI in Melbourne’s Telstra Dome, for three ODI’s. Not to prove their title of World Champion’s, following a series of spectacular losses in the UK, but to reaffirm that status. Winning the toss and batting on all three occasions, Australia went from strength to strength.[...read this story]

The Ashes In An Urn (Or Nutshell!)
by Luke Gillian , 15/09/2005 17:00:47
If you suggested 7weeks ago, that Australia would only win 1 out off 5, you’d have been laughed out of the country, no matter what country you stood. I for one predicted a conservative 3-1 score to Australia but my, how wrong predictions can be. It’s why I rarely put my money where my mouth is, and when I do generally my foot’s there![...read this story]

Australia vs England - The Oval
by Luke Gillian , 15/09/2005 16:52:25
To better their chances of winning the 5th test at The Oval, Australia needed to win the toss and bat, and bat well. It didn’t happen. Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Strauss opened with 82 to deepen Australia’s plight striving for Ashes retention. Often though a team only needs one wicket and the others quickly follow. In a trice England was 4-131, with that man Warne proving his heroics.[...read this story]

Half Time Hunger!
by Luke Gillian , 05/09/2005 10:53:18
During my first ever Asian soccer match, this one played at Bangladesh National Stadium in Dhaka, the caterer decided the game was far more important than keeping his eye on the tucker, but then so did the crowd, of which about 2500 turned up. On entering I was asked which side I was supporting to ensure I didn't rifle my way into the opposition gathering. As far as I was concerned both sides were the opposition but was soon, by default, supporting Abihani to a 5-0 thrashing of Wanderers in the season's local derby! I chose the better side, and a better place for dinner later![...read this story]

All Aboard!
by Luke Gillian , 03/09/2005 05:55:11
The ferries of Bangladesh have a reputation of spending much time at the bottom of the rivers (not as much they do on the rivers) and looking at the way they park up here in Dhaka, it's no surprise. I'm pretty sure a ferry transfer to the game is out of the question next year, but at least one has to come down the docks and have a look at the floating carnage. There are literally dozens and dozens of these sized vessels waiting off port to dock, pick up, and move onwards. A sight to behold, and not board... if you can avoid it![...read this story]

Australia vs England - Trent Bridge
by Luke Gillian , 03/09/2005 05:28:15
With one test remaining, Australia needs to pull the finger out. England did it well after their first test debacle, and subsequently has Australia on the back foot after their thrilling 4th Test victory at Trent Bridge. Thrilling for England, not for me! Australia tends to fall the wrong side in close finishes, and this was another.[...read this story]

Manchester's Day Five Heart Stopper!
by Lucy Edwards , 17/08/2005 14:29:25
I was lucky to receive an sms at 8am to say the gates were open as I might have been one of the unlucky 10,000+ locked out of the 5th day at Old Trafford. I was already on my way to the ground, but I ran to get there sooner than later. Notwithstanding I had a day five ticket, so apparently I could have got in after anyway, but I wasn’t taking chances of missing what was an exciting test match.[...read this story]

Australia vs England - Old Trafford
by Luke Gillian , 17/08/2005 14:08:41
It was remarkable! A mirror of the previous test, the same heart stopping conclusion, although the result thankfully different from an Australian viewpoint. England played all over Australia for 4days at Old Trafford (excluding the 76overs lost to rain on day 3), and probably deserved to take a 2-1 lead, if not for the stalwart day 5 resistance of Ricky Ponting and the last 3 Australian batsmen. With 399 more runs to win on the last day, Australia did brilliantly to end the day 371.[...read this story]

Australia vs England - Edgbaston
by Luke Gillian , 09/08/2005 10:10:59
In the closest Ashes result of England and Australia cricketing adventures, following their 239 run defeat at Lord’s, it was England’s turn to take the series by the throat with a heart-stopping 2run win over Australia at Edgbaston. Needing 107 runs to win, Australia had just two wickets in hand when it started the 4th day’s play, momentum and vibe easily with England. [...read this story]

Australia vs England - Lord's
by Luke Gillian , 25/07/2005 16:09:11
For all the build up, hype and expectation, it would have been fitting for England to show a bit more spine, across the board, as they went tumbling into a heap of disappointment in the first Test against Australia, at Lord’s. The game that would have been expected to go at least a full four days excluding rain, petered out to a match barely lasting 8sessions in the spiritual home of cricket.[...read this story]

Full Ashes Ahead - For InLondon Magazine
by Luke Gillian , 20/07/2005 11:13:26
England is in full Ashes recovery mode, and it comes as no surprise. While Michael Vaughan’s men have just won their 5th successive series, their best run since 1969-71, the Australians have overcome early tour wounds inflicted by England, Somerset, and once, albeit enough, by Bangladesh to show they are nearing top gear, at the right time.[...read this story]

NZ - My First Whirlwind Tour!
by Brian Tobin , 12/04/2005 06:31:18
It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday*… No it’s 2 o’clock on a Thursday, and I’ve just shuffled through my front door in central west NSW, following the haul from Christchurch via Sydney & Dubbo. How do I describe what was a fantastic 26 days in NZ following Australian Cricket as part of The Flag experience? Five ODI’s, one Test Match, eight flights, a mix of backpacker, apartment, B & B, and private accommodation. Good food, good cricket and most importantly of all good company.[...read this story]

3rd Test - Auckland
by Luke Gillian , 26/03/2005 08:14:50
It was the result we (as Australians) were all hoping for. A big win for Australia in the final match of the series played at Eden Park, to take the series 2-0. And as it was in Christchurch, it was Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer at the end to hit the winning runs, the final partnership yielding 148 runs in less than 24overs, Australia wining the match by 9-wickets, under lights, under rain, yet under no pressure whatsoever. And this being my 100th test match, it was the result I too was looking for. Happy days pour moi![...read this story]

2nd Test - Australia vs New Zealand
by Luke Gillian , 18/03/2005 05:32:19
Day 1 as seen here on TV was miserable (I know, it's a familiar photo!). Day 2 was better, but days 3, 4 and 5 were junk, adn the Kiwis escaped with an undeserved draw as rain took control of day five with NZ 3-48 at the close, still too many behind and too many wickets down. Alas we head to Auckland for the series clincher. Win, lose, or draw, Australia retain the Trans Tasman Trophy, as they very well should! A full match report is on its way. The FLag went to the Martinborough wineries the day after the test, so match report writing time was lost elsewhere! [...read this story]

Australia vs New Zealand - Christchurch
by Luke Gillian , 14/03/2005 09:46:04
Getting into Jade Stadium in Christchurch for the first test against New Zealand was straightforward minus the usual security hang-ups as detailed in the diary, but the gates opening at 9.30am meant there was only 30-mins before the toss, and an hour before the teams took the field. 25Flaggers positioned themselves at backward square leg in the Paul Kelly Stand, and soaked the roasting sun for the first 2sessions, after which the sun was extinguished and we froze our collective bananas off.[...read this story]

5th ODI - Napier
by Luke Gillian , 09/03/2005 03:18:42
Going into the 5th ODI at Napier’s McLean Park, the best New Zealand could hope for was to win the toss and bat first, put the runs on the board and let Australia chase them, as they did in Wellington. Well, the kiwis got it half in their favour. Stephen Fleming won the toss all right, but elected to bowl on a track that has a reputation of being a run machine. At that news, we did cheer loudly and sat back to enjoy the onslaught![...read this story]

4th ODI - Wellington
by Luke Gillian , 02/03/2005 20:53:55
When Kyle Mills sent the first ball of Australia¡¯s innings for 5-wides over Brendon McCullum¡¯s head, I knew this would be no ordinary run-chase. Winning the toss yet again, Australia decided to bowl on a beautiful batting deck in the 4th ODI at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Whether that was a sporting decision, or just a training run for Australia to have a run chase for a change, I don¡¯t know, but Adam Gilchrist, filling in for a resting Ponting, sent the Kiwis into bat and for a short time, we had a game on our hands, provided of course NZ could get the runs needed to push Australia.[...read this story]

3rd ODI - Auckland
by Luke Gillian , 27/02/2005 10:04:29
Gee, what is going on with New Zealand cricket? That is not for me to answer, I just know they're better than they have been playing and their shellacking in Auckland at the hand's of Australia in the 3rd ODI suggests there's much improvement required for the Blackcaps to take anything more than pride from the remaining two ODI's.[...read this story]

2nd ODI - Christchurch
by Luke Gillian , 22/02/2005 23:19:17
After the excitement of the first ODI in Wellington, the NZ supporters expected the second match, at Jade Stadium in Christchurch, to be another close encounter. After winning the toss and batting, Australia weren’t looking good with Adam Gilchrist caught down the leg side off the 2nd ball of the game. The Kiwis must have thought they had Australia on toast. Though the weather was hot, the Kiwi toaster was broken and Australia went on the rampage.[...read this story]

1st ODI - Wellington
by Luke Gillian , 20/02/2005 22:52:37
When Australia reached 100 in the 23rd over a New Zealand supporter chortled across ‘will you remind Australia we’re playing a one day game!’ I ignored it, but put it into the memory bank for later use. How pleased was I to have that chance in the match that Australia won the toss and batted at Westpac Stadium in Wellington in the first of 5 ODIs against New Zealand. [...read this story]

Twenty20 - Auckland
by Luke Gillian , 20/02/2005 22:48:15
When Michael Clarke took a step back and swung violently at a ball that passed outside off stump, I knew this would not be, visually, a match played with caution. In many regards it wasn’t the most technique specific game but for entertainment the first Twenty20 match between two test playing nations, played at Eden Park in Auckland was up there with the best of them. Sporting the 80’s look, with body hugging beige, lamb chop sideburns with tasch’s to match, and flannel floppies, the kiwi side looked more the retro part than Australia in their ‘budgerigar yellow’ (as the media like to call it here), the game was a testing event for the game we know and love, and for public acclaim it was indeed a winner.[...read this story]

Kia Ora Aotearoa!
by Luke Gillian , 16/02/2005 05:54:52
Thank you for joining The Flag¡¯s New Zealand tour here on the site, as always it is greatly appreciated and I look forward to sharing with you news and views of the best New Zealand has to offer as we travel the North and South Islands for the one day series, back South for the first test in Christchurch, up to Wellington for the 2nd test, and then further north to end the series in Auckland.[...read this story]

Australia vs Pakistan - Sydney, Simon Gibb
by Simon Gibb , 12/01/2005 23:31:56
Goodbye 2004.........Hello 2005!! What better place to be than over looking Sydney Harbour on New Year's Eve. Perched high on a Neutral Bay rooftop terrace with views of the Harbour, Opera House and the city skyline and the world famous fireworks display I could hardly think of anything more fitting to bring in the New Year......perhaps with the exception of a 3 zip white wash of Pakistan at the SCG and to make it 5-0 for the summer!! We'd have to wait and see.[...read this story]

Australia vs Pakistan - Melb, by Simon Gibb
by Simon Gibb , 12/01/2005 23:29:17
MCG on Boxing Day... is there anything better? I think not. As an Australian cricketer, I imagine if you make it to the Boxing Day test, it would be one of your career highlights. Well, I must say as a spectator, there is not a lot better either. I made the trip over from Adelaide on Christmas to night for my forth consecutive Boxing Day Test match, which is fast becoming one of my favourite tests as it really gives me something to strive for throughout the year and once I get are there, I certainly know the working year is finally over. [...read this story]

Australia vs Pakistan - Sydney
by Luke Gillian , 08/01/2005 12:28:37
We all have fond (and not so fond) memories of last year’s Sydney test match, when we had to say farewell to Steve Waugh after 18-brilliant years with Australian Cricket. The SCG was packed for the first 3-days, and though thinning out for days 4 & 5, almost 200,000 people cheered at one point, the great man Steve. What we didn’t cheer then was Brett Lee being spanked for 200, as India declared for 7-705 to all but spoil Steve’s Party and put us all in a sombre mood for a match that was drawn, as was the series. But this year was different. Australia had already Bon-Voyaged Steve, and won the series against Pakistan so the pressure was off and the Flag congregated in Bay 30 to cheer loudly in New Year enthusiasm for what we wanted to be series white wash against the young Pakistanis.[...read this story]

Australia vs Pakistan - Melbourne
by Luke Gillian , 01/01/2005 12:58:28
Following their Perth debacle, Pakistan could only improve when they took the field of the ever-changing Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Boxing Day Test match. And they did; marginally. The crowds turned up as expected and although there wasn’t a stampede to get in the gates at 8.30am, the 80,000 capacity ‘G’ swelled to 61,552 on a brilliant boxing day, day![...read this story]

Australia vs Pakistan - Perth
by Luke Gillian , 20/12/2004 05:39:01
The last time Australia played Pakistan in test cricket, their home series relocated to Sri Lanka and Sharjah, Pakistan were flogged. It didn’t appear much before this series that the score line would be any different with Pakistan being whipped by a 2nd XI at Lilac Hill, then by Western Australia in the week prior to the match at the WACA Ground in Perth. Winning the toss and bowling, Pakistan surprised most by having Australia 5-78 with Hayden, Ponting, Martyn, Lehmann and Clarke in the shed. That score was the best Pakistan could take from the game that eventually saw them annihilated to the tune of 491-runs.[...read this story]

Incredible India Tour Summary - Chapter 1
by Luke Gillian , 12/12/2004 15:19:28
The most anticipated Flag tour of the year kicked off for me in Chennai on September 21 after a British Airways flight. I’d been awake for 2-days prior the flight and knowing the little sleep that lay ahead in the next 7weeks, could think of nothing more than hopping on the flight and crashing (to sleep!). It didn’t happen. Instead of chatting with the Sandman, I immersed in the headache inducing delight of filling Indian Railways booking forms; names, ages, and sex of 150+ passengers, my full name and address as the person applying for tickets, as well as the train name, number, boarding station, and destination. It’s an adventure, and where and when a bit of research and experience comes in to play. For me, it just took time…and guesswork. I don’t think I got anyone’s age right, and just as well ticket inspectors don’t check passports.[...read this story]

Incredible India Tour Summary - Chapter 2
by Luke Gillian , 12/12/2004 15:13:54
After celebrating what should’ve been an Australia win, and a week before the 3rd test in Nagpur, 25Flaggers took the Tamil Nadu Express to Agra. The journey was only 30hours, but the tour’s longest. I’d a great time but feel others, having done it once, felt the need not to do it again! But like India, it has to be done once, as does the Taj Mahal! We arrived at 4am and the bus was there to take us to Hotel Atithi and the delights of a tourist centre no bigger than the Taj itself, which is not enormous, but for the year it was built (1654), it is monstrous![...read this story]

Australia vs New Zealand - Adelaide
by Luke Gillian , 01/12/2004 00:30:56
There were memories of last year’s test match at Adelaide against India when Australia went to stumps 5-400, when after the 2nd over against New Zealand last week Australia was 0-27. The match settled down after that and though we didn’t get 400 in a day this year, we were content at 3-327 with Justin Langer leading the way with 144 at the close, taking Australia into a good position on a stinking hot day.[...read this story]

Australia vs New Zealand - Brisbane
by Luke Gillian , 23/11/2004 01:04:16
There weren't all that many people at The Gabba to watch Australia demolish New Zealand, and certainly no body in this area that was closed to the public. Those in other areas of the ground would have been thrilled at the entertainment presented by New Zealand's Jacob Oram in their first dig when he scored a monster 126 not out in the Kiwi's total of 353. Conversely, most spectators would have been overawed at the brilliance of Australia's young Michael Clarke who scored a superb 141, with Adam Gilchrist 126, who smacked 214 runs together, to build the foundation for Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie to continue the run feast, to each score their maiden test half centuries. It was a delight at the end of the first innings to watch the fast bowling supremos put on 114 runs for the 10th wicket, especially Mr Gillespie's 'horsey' down the pitch! Australia took a 231 run lead into NZ's 2nd innings, and that was 155 runs too many as Dizzy and Pigeon continued with the ball where they left off with the bat, and with the Shane Warne and Michael Kasprowicz, by crushing the Black Caps for 76, my lowest witnessed test total! And now we head to Adelaide with the trophy firmly held for another few months until we land in Kiwi Ville next March![...read this story]

Australia's Tour Of India - An International Sports Analysis!
by Adam Soffer , 14/11/2004 06:02:57
Two-One. The only words an Aussie needed to say after India¡'s incredible win in the fourth test match in Mumbai. An amazing test series ended at the Wankhede Stadium with mixed feelings for myself and, I'm sure, fellow Flaggers. Although I was shattered we lost the last test, it wasn't too hard to take solace in the fact that the Aussies won their first test series in India since 1969-70, regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and unleashed a superstar of the future in Michael Clarke.[...read this story]

Australia In Ruins In Mumbai!
by Andrew Haigh , 14/11/2004 05:53:08
The Australian team finished the tour of India in possibly the most disappointing way imaginable, shot out for 93 chasing 107 to win late on the 3rd day of the last Test. By my estimation, allowing for the longer than usual 2nd and 3rd days to make up for the rain delays on day 1, the game went 2 and a half regular days, far too short for a Test match which points to the sub-standard nature of the pitch.[...read this story]

Australia vs India - Mumbai
by Luke Gillian , 07/11/2004 06:00:13
The list of closest test finishes (by runs) was listed in the paper the day after the 4th test in Mumbai, and all of them except this one would go down as classic test cricket. In many respects we will always remember this test but for wrong reasons. It was exciting; nerve wracking, and tense, as were all the other close matches no doubt, but this was survival of the fittest on a pitch that really was an indictment on the game, and best described by one of the Australia players the day after as a ¡®poor quality England village wicket¡¯. Not because Australia lost, but the nature of this pitch failed to reflect the abilities of either team. Had Australia won, the quality of the wicket would have been no better. And still we look at the game that was done and won in a little over 2-days play, and say, ¡®what an unbelievable match¡¯! It will not be forgotten.[...read this story]

Australia vs India - Nagpur
by Luke Gillian , 31/10/2004 10:24:11
And finally, after 35-years, Australia wins a test series again in India, and the victory at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur didn’t come any better than what we saw over the last 4-days. Actually, I should say over the last 4-weeks as the series win yesterday was a culmination of brilliant cricket in Bangalore, and Chennai.[...read this story]

We Love The Taj!
by Luke Gillian , 23/10/2004 08:32:23
We toured the Taj Mahal in 2001 and the push to get as many Flaggers back here this time resulted in only 25, but they were 25-overawed Flaggers to say the least, leaving over 100 Flaggers unsure of what they missed out on. Some had already seen the Taj Mahal, but for me the Taj is a place that has to visited with each visit to India. I’ve seen the Taj Mahal 3-times now and I can’t wait for the 4th. I can only hope the stories and emotions expressed by those that came to those that didn’t will influence a few more next time. We love the Taj![...read this story]

Australia vs India - Chennai
by Luke Gillian , 19/10/2004 17:03:22
Under the watchful eye of Chennai police, The Flag (both boxing kangaroo and our great nation's) saw the foundations of one of the modern game's greatest finishes to Test Cricket, alas the heavens had a better idea of what should happen to the game and we suffered a disappointing loss of play on day 5. Still 1-0 up, we look forward to another brilliant match in Nagpur... after we first see the beautiful Taj Mahal in Agra.[...read this story]

Australia Now Out Of Jail?
by Luke Gillian , 14/10/2004 16:51:57
India were looking devastating at 3-200 only 35-runs shy of Australia's 1st innings total, but a series of false strokes and attacking bowling had India reeling at 6-233, and Australia might have escaped the series of dropped catches, and poor fielding to restrict India's lead. Alas, a healthy partnership to stumps for thr 7th wicket has India starting day-3 over 50-runs in front. Excitement plus is assured Saturday![...read this story]

Flags At The Ready in Bangalore!
by Luke Gillian , 13/10/2004 08:25:03
The Flag swelled to over 90-Flaggers for the first Test victory over India in Bangalore, and in Chennai we are already fast approaching 100. So naturally, we all would love a repeat of the result in the 2nd Test. Winning the toss and batting on a pitch that was very 3-dayish by all reports, was the key to Australia going one up in the 4-test series. Piling on 314 runs on day one, and capitalising on day 2 from the magic of Adam Gilchrist (104) and Michael Clarke (151) to end the first innings 474, Australia were well placed to give the first blow.

India were 6-150 at stumps on day 2, and facing a follow on early the next day, but a spirited fight saw India fall only marginally short, yet still escape the follow on. Australia batted on, and though we didn't do so well second time around, but the time India batted again, mid way through the 2nd session on day-4, they needed 457 runs and miracle to win (but The Flag has seen India miracles, and Australia have too!).

6-103 at stumps, meant we had to return day 5 to mop up. It took much longer than necessary, and after Harbhajan and Pathan added almost 100 for the 9th wicket giving the excitable India crowd great thrill and enjoyment, it was not enough to save the match and Australia went home the victors to the tune of 217-runs, and The Flag went to Guzzlers Pub to celebrate. What a start to the series. Bring on Chennai! Well played Gilly and the lads, we'll be there for you again in Chennai![...read this story]

The First Test - Australia On The Brink!
by Luke Gillian , 07/10/2004 15:55:35
Australia is on the brink of a massive victory over India in the first test. Dismissed for 227 in their second innings, India went to bat needing 457 runs to win in a little under 5-sessions. Possible in theory, but not on this pitch. India went pear shaped early being 2-7, then 4-19, and went to stumps in front of a rather quie, but large, weekend crowd 6-105. Rahul Dravid was the only resistence remaining 47 not out at stumps, and The Flag will have to turn up Sunday morning for the first what could be 4-five day test matches in the series. And you can't ask for much more than that! Go Australia![...read this story]

Making Mumbai Green!
by Luke Gillian , 01/10/2004 18:35:14
When I first came to Mumbai in 1996, I stayed with my mate in the northern suburb of Khar, occasionally coming to Colaba and Fort to do some world cup preparations such as book train tickets for one. On one drive around the area, I saw a billboard, ‘Make Mumbai Green’. I asked my mate where Mumbai is, and subsequently learned that Bombay had reverted to it’s traditional name, Mumbai.[...read this story]

Railroading India
by Luke Gillian , 27/09/2004 19:02:35
The first week of the tour has just about ended, and after waiting five days to get the bag back from British Airways, the soiled attire I railed and wandered around India in for the first 5-days has been sent to the giant laundry ghats at Mahalaxshmi just out of Mumbai’s city centre. [...read this story]

Straight Drive!
by Luke Gillian , 06/09/2004 00:11:27
These bicycles might not be the sleekest around, or even the most roadworthy (but then in India, very little road vehicles are), but they're sure to get you around. I can't say how far you'd get on one of these, but you'd probably get somewhere. This hire shop outside Nagpur Railway Station has a small selection to get you on your way, but with untold numbers of rickshaws, dangerous traffic congestions, and countless bicycle wallahs to do the pedaling for you, why ride one yourself? I guess it's one reason why I've never seen any more or less than this many, lined with India precision of course, at this store. [...read this story]

Bon Appetite!
by Luke Gillian , 27/08/2004 11:35:41
Easily the best cricket catering I have ever seen, without mentioning enjoyed, has been that in Amsterdam at the VRA ground. In a huge marquee, it is like entering a market place-cum-restaurant. There are stalls of grilled focaccia's, roasted chicken and veg, mixed soups, vegetable salads, fresh fruits and cream, coffees and teas, fish and chips (among other seafoods), thai stir frys, cakes and buns, fresh juices, and a bottle shop. Yes, you can buy a bottle of pinot and take it to the terraced verandah to enjoy the delight of European catering to the fullest. Shame it was raining for most of time, so the summery pleasures weren't quite there, but hopefully we will have other opportunities to sample the fine Dutch cricket fayre in years to come.[...read this story]

Doing It Tough!
by Luke Gillian , 18/08/2004 02:31:10
In Nagpur you will see more cycle rickshaws than anywhere else in India, or at least anywhere that the cricket has taken me, 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 that 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 for a start. At least this young fella could still manage a grimaced smile as he toiled past. Keep working son, keep working! [...read this story]

Who Will It Be?
by Luke Gillian , 08/08/2004 12:23:49
Who does Rani wed? I know! I saw this movie the other night in Mumbai and though it was all in Hindi, it was a rather simple film to follow, and rather humourous to boot. Set primarily in the beach resort state of Goa, the story set around the happenings of the colourful town square filled with western travellers, bikie gangs, and flowers, most definitely unlike the Goa you would find, and the two fellas fighting for Rani's attention. Somehow the film was dragged out 3-hours, and not even the high pitched caterwauling every 20-mins could keep me awake for the duration. Still, very much worth it for Aud$3 and a piece of the massive Indian jigsaw of experience you too can enjoy in October![...read this story]

Celebrate In India!
by Luke Gillian , 22/07/2004 01:59:26
The Flag is headed back to India to hopefully relive some fond victorious memories of the 1996 World Cup, this time though in the biggest Test Series on the cricket calendar for some time. Join The Flag in India, and stand proud for Australia![...read this story]

Cricket At The Top!
by Simon Gibb , 13/07/2004 23:26:57
After doing a mini tour to Cairns last July, it only seemed fair to give Darwin a go this year. So with that in mind way back in February, a mini tour of huge proportions was arranged for the 1st Test at Marrara Oval against Sri Lanka. The term 'mini tour' is one used by part time fans such as myself to make ourselves feel part of the cricket touring world, which of course we can't do for one reason or another. So for self confessed part timers as myself and Clive from Sydney, a mini tour is much anticipated for long periods of time, and unfortunately feels like it's all over before it even begins!! [...read this story]

Soothing Sundowners!
by Luke Gillian , 21/05/2004 16:57:13
Blair arrived into Zimbabwe 36-hours after deciding to join us on tour. He was bewildered by his spoantaneous decision to head south from the chill of Glasgow, Scotland, but 12-hours after his landing, he was seated comfortably with a beer on the terrace of the lodge, enjoying the late afternoon sundowner, looking through the grassy shore of the lake that watered herds of animals on our friend's farm 100km North East of Harare. He gave a quiet smile of appreciation, and justification, and rightly so! This was delightful! [...read this story]

Shady Days!
by Luke Gillian , 17/05/2004 18:57:41
Queen's Sport's Club in Bulawayo has one of the more impressive public seating areas of any ground I've been. The Northern and Eastern sides of the venue are bordered by thick trees that give a splendid backdrop to the game from the other sides, and provides ample shade for the majority of the day. It's a shame that BBQ's are no longer allowed into the venues here as perched under one of these trees with a BBQ, a few beers, and some mates is a great way to watch a neutral match, or any match if that kind of thing takes your fancy. (No More To Follow) [...read this story]

Cool, Calm, Harare!
by Luke Gillian , 09/05/2004 16:59:09
Kicking back at the game is a good way to pass the day, and there's almost no better place than at Harare Sports Club. The bench seats might be a bit scratchy on the arse after awhile but that's where the hotel pillow comes in handy. That aside, the calmness of life at Harare Sports Club as Dagsy (with his new little African Mate!) here clearly has become used to, hardly suggests the game we're watching (Sri Lanka Zimbabwe 1st Test) is as intense as we will no doubt experience in India in October! (No More To Follow!) [...read this story]

Waving The Stick - Par 3
by Luke Gillian , 12/04/2004 22:08:35
Nico walked to the first tee of The Royal Colombo Golf Club wearing thongs, the early dew misting at his heel with every flip-flop. “Nico, you’ll have to get some proper shoes mate they won’t let you play wearing thongs.” “Oh, won’t they?” With that he returned to the dressing room, more like a hairdressing salon with the accessories and ointments offered at the washbasins, to change his thongs and subsequently clip clopped to the tee wearing golf spikes. ‘Where the hell did you get those?’ Dale, Mark, and I quizzed a re-shod Nico. “From my bag!” We were quite taken back when this definitive ‘rogue element’ wearing a rain shaped Akubra hat teed off with a 220m drive down the guts, turned and said, “Morning ‘ole mates!” [...read this story]

Tour Summary - On Top Of Sri Lanka!
by Luke Gillian , 02/04/2004 12:26:57
There were times late last year I considered cancelling The Flag’s tour to Sri Lanka. I had received a few sly emails, a few threatening emails, and basic silence from many parties in Sri Lanka preventing efficient tour planning, causing me to re-think the tour. I called people for advice and possible theories behind the emails and the upshot was, I promised a tour to Sri Lanka, a promise I must keep to those booked and paid and I’m pleased I did. It was brilliant, easily The Flag’s most successful (though define success!) and efficient. [...read this story]

Australia vs Sri Lanka - 3rd Test Colombo
by Luke Gillian , 30/03/2004 12:00:02
This is test cricket! A statement used by Dagsy regularly through the series and noticeably apparent in the final test of the series, played at the Singhalese Sports Club where Australia defeated Sri Lanka with 9-balls to spare. This is what we travel for. The win isn’t always in Australia’s favour, but we love cricket and favour the game regardless of the result, though we do err for Australian wins of course.[...read this story]

Australia vs Sri Lanka - 2nd Test Kandy
by Luke Gillian , 24/03/2004 13:09:03
This is what test cricket is all about; what an amazing game we witnessed in Kandy. It mirrored the first test in Galle from the outset with Ricky Ponting winning the toss and batting, and though none thought the game would take the same course as the first test, when Sri Lanka rolled Australia for 120 in only 43-overs, heads were thrown back in despair. Not for throwing in the towel (unlike Bomber!), but a wasted opportunity to take Sri Lanka from the game. The early excitement of the 35-flaggers that made their way to the lush Asgiriya Stadium was short lived, reminiscent of 1999 when Sri Lanka carved through Australia on the first day and went on to win in 2.5days. Surely it couldn’t happen again? [...read this story]

Australia vs Sri Lanka - 1st Test Galle
by Luke Gillian , 16/03/2004 12:59:41
What a cracking match. Test cricket at its finest. At the game's end I felt a touch of understanding of how the Indians must have felt when they came back to beat Australia in Kolkata in 2001. Though the score differences weren't comparable, the turn around in fortunes certainly was.[...read this story]

Australia vs Sri Lanka President's XI
by Luke Gillian , 07/03/2004 11:50:17
The rough content of the game played at the Colombo Cricket Club can be read in our tour diary. It was a great time had by all but then all tour games are great![...read this story]

Australia vs Sri Lanka - Game 5
by Luke Gillian , 07/03/2004 11:47:34
It was a struggle to get everyone in today for the last ODI, played at the Singhalese Sports Club. I had tickets for the 10 with me, but suddenly everyone came out of the woodwork asking for tickets, and I simply didn't have them. I should have said 'I don't have any' but in my usual fashion I said 'leave it with me and went to see what I could muster' and chased down Michael Kasprowicz to grab any leftover tickets from the shed.[...read this story]

Australia vs Sri Lanka - Game 4
by Luke Gillian , 28/02/2004 08:41:40
What a stunning way to win the series. Going into the 4th ODI Australia won the toss and elected to bat on a new pitch, adjacent to the one used the other night when Australia scored an impressive 5-wicket win. Setting the score is the preferred way for most sides regardless of the pitch, and giving Sri Lanka 234 to win, and rolling them for 193 for a 40-run win, after having them 2-143 was as good as it gets in this game, to use a tired phrase!! [...read this story]

Australia vs Sri Lanka - Game 3
by Luke Gillian , 26/02/2004 11:27:47
I have never seen Australia win at Premadasa Stadium. We've lost to Sri Lanka in low scoring affairs in the 2-previous encounters and the low slow pitch was alleged to do the same. The previous games (both finals) were full houses of musicians, flags, and emotion and the locals were out in force. I don't know what's happening during this one-day series, the Stadiums have only been 2/3's full and that was here. Dambulla was never more than half. For a nation that takes the game so seriously, TV is having an effect at stadium level.[...read this story]

Australia vs Sri Lanka - Game 2
by Luke Gillian , 24/02/2004 05:14:56
As the diary entry reads, we eventually learned the game started at 10am. What we hadn't learned was the Sunday bus timetable. Do they have one? You might ask. No they don't, but if you are trying to catch a Colombo bound bus on a Sunday morning, expect to wait. Never in Sri Lanka have I had a bus pull over, refuse to let us on, and drive off only to stop 100m up the road and let people on. David, Roma and I had 5-buses either stop and drive on or cruise past. And we were at the bus stop! We walked to the clock tower where all Colombo buses run from. Even then, 2-ticket men shoved us off their bus. I had no idea what was going on. Usually buses screech to a halt for the opportunity to skin a few tourists of a rupee or two should but this morning was peculiar. [...read this story]

Australia vs Sri Lanka - Game 1
by Luke Gillian , 24/02/2004 05:12:29
And the series is away; the first match played today, under lights, at Rangiri Stadium, Dambulla. Since August much has been spent on development of this recently built stadium in Sri Lanka's dry centre. Where there were small-uncovered terraces, no embankments, and no toilets blocks, this has become one of the world’s better venues. The main stand towers at the southern end, two sweeping stands branch off either side of the grandstand along to mid-wicket and embankments make up the rest of the ground with the massive scoreboard at the Northern end, easily read from all parts. There's still much to do, but compared with other places around the world this is a cracking stadium. [...read this story]

Australia vs India - Season Summary
by Luke Gillian , 14/02/2004 08:56:03
10-days before the first test against India, Steve Waugh called a press conference announcing his retirement, ending speculation he might play on until the tour to India in October 2004. That brought new dimension to the series. Sell out crowds were on the menu and it was a marketer’s dream that started in Brisbane on December 4. The Gabba was a haven for excitement and the first of Steve’s last as captain of Australia, against an Indian unit still reveling in their 2001 conquest over the mighty Australian side. Over in 3-days to Australia’s advantage was the call. Rain for 3-days was the answer.[...read this story]

Australia vs India - Sydney
by Luke Gillian , 06/01/2004 21:20:19
It was a crucial toss to win. I think Steve Waugh would love to have had first option, alas instead it was Sourav Ganguly that elected to bat on a pitch that could have made the most ineffectual batsman look somewhat proficient. 3/284 at stumps on day one, India didn’t exactly impress on many that a total of 7/705 was forthcoming, but that’s exactly what they scored, and thus virtually shut Australia from the game, which wouldn’t have pleased the sell-out crowd there to say farewell to the old master, Steve Waugh. [...read this story]

Australia vs India - Melbourne
by Luke Gillian , 30/12/2003 09:08:15
What an unbelievable test match. An absolute corking game filled with records, centuries, double centuries, 5-wickets hauls, brilliant fielding, and an incomparable intensity. This series continues in the vein of Australia’s 2001 India tour, only in reverse. Following the cracking Adelaide test that saw India claw back, Kolkata-esque like, to win by 4-wickets, Australia leveled the series at the developing MCG in Melbourne with a masterful display of test cricket. [...read this story]

Australia vs India - Adelaide
by Luke Gillian , 19/12/2003 03:37:46
Like the weather, the cricket in Adelaide became hotter and hotter as the game went on. Freezing our butts off, in front of the new Clem Hill Stand, on day one when Steve Waugh won the toss and elected to bat on a perfect Adelaide Oval strip, smashing 5-400 by stumps with Ricky Ponting 176 not out warmed the soul for what was set to be a cracking game.[...read this story]

Australia vs India - Brisbane
by Luke Gillian , 10/12/2003 01:58:15
The shift of the first test in Brisbane from the usual 2nd week in November to the first week of December due to the Rugby World Cup, proved frustrating for players, and spectators alike. A financial disaster for Cricket Australia mind you didn’t raise a bee’s pizzle of concern in our camp, as all we wanted was the game to be played when it could, and the chances of an eked result through declaration was limited to excessive tropical rain.[...read this story]

My Recent Time In India - Dave Pollard
by Dave Pollard , 24/11/2003 04:58:23
Hello sports fans and welcome back to the cricket match at Eden Gardens. You will be glad to know that I managed to smuggle in Goget (my blowup roo) to India. He seemed quite happy in his small box with an electric fan for air. I forgot about the temperature at 35000 feet and we had to chisel him out of the ice after landing. [...read this story]

Australia vs Zimbabwe - Simon Gibb
by Simon Gibb , 04/11/2003 23:31:51
To my relief, Heath Streak won the toss and elected to bat, so if something like a World batting record from one of the Australians was to happen again, at least I would be half a chance to see it!! Besides, watching the Aussies bowl for another couple of days really didn't appeal to me after two days of it last weekend in Perth. So as I arrived at the airport this week, Australia needed just two more wickets to wrap up the tourist's first dig. [...read this story]

Australia vs Zimbabwe - Sydney
by Luke Gillian , 22/10/2003 10:52:18
2-0 and the Australian summer cricket program is now well underway. There was never much doubt that Zimbabwe couldn't match Australia on the field but nonetheless for an under manned side under pressure to perform with a limited supply of players to choose, for Zimbabwe to end the series with a lowest score of 239 I believe shows tremendous potential for the troubled side. There have been stronger sides against weaker bowling attacks that have made less that 239 so the Zimbo's should hold their heads high though being completely thrashed by an inings and 175-runs in Perth, and 9-wickets here in Sydney. [...read this story]

Australia vs Zimbabwe - My WACA Debut
by Simon Gibb , 16/10/2003 15:03:06
As I was parking my car at Adelaide Airport last Friday afternoon, I was, to say the least a little disappointed that I wasn't at the WACA. When I turned the engine off Matty Hayden was 376*, but I was comforted by the fact that in four hours time I would be in a pub somewhere in Perth, being taken through his Hayden's innings, ball by ball by my friends....Oh how true that was..... [...read this story]

Australia vs Zimbabwe - Perth
by Luke Gillian , 14/10/2003 08:40:02
It was not the start to the cricket summer anyone was expecting. I’m not talking about the game kicking off in October though that too was strange, but Zimbabwe taking Australia to 5-days. It is easy to dismiss the weaker sides as meek time fillers but lets not forget they do have test status for a reason, and deserve the chance to improve against strong sides like Australia. Lets not also forget that Australia walloped Zimbabwe to the tune of 735-runs in 5-sessions and 3-balls, and had they declared at a usually acceptable 500+ instead, the chances of the game going into 4-days might have been unlikely.[...read this story]

Australian Summer in Preview
by Simon Gibb , 08/10/2003 01:20:14
As the sun sets on another season of AFL/NRL footy, most venues now change Aussie Rules/League goal posts for the posts of a 'Union' kind in readiness for the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup. All of major venues that is except for the WACA ground in Perth, while the champagne still flows in Brisbane and Penrith and the Central Districts of Adelaide, Test cricket gears up for a welcome return to Australia for the first time since stumps were drawn in Cairns the best part of ten weeks ago. This time it is Zimbabwe's turn to face the music first up on a fast WACA track.[...read this story]

Come To Sri Lanka Next Year...
by Luke Gillian , 18/08/2003 08:28:27
Australia's Tour to Sri Lanka is now only 4-months away when my 2-weeks last August around this beautiful idyll preparing your tour will be proving its worth. My third visit, the familiarity made light a busy schedule that saw me absorbed into the frenetic ever improving Colombo, wallow in the south coast resort waters of Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa, ending the fortnight in hill country tranquility of Kandy.[...read this story]

Australia vs Bangladesh - Cairns
by Luke Gillian , 30/07/2003 11:44:54
If you judge a team’s improvement after just 4-innings, then Bangladesh will cause a few headaches for sides in the coming years. They might not win any or many games, but they will certainly push less adept sides than Australia to fight hard for their wins. Being bowled out for 97 in their first innings in Darwin was a probable expected score for Bangladesh unlike them scoring 295 in their first innings in Cairns. [...read this story]

Australia vs Bangaldesh - Darwin
by Luke Gillian , 24/07/2003 09:32:47
Talk about touch and go. It was unexpected to be standing in central Darwin at 9:05am without transport to the first test between Australia and Bangladesh, the first in Darwin, the first time I can recall being so late to a game as to miss the toss. Pathetic, considering I’d 3-days to get there but no poorer than no shuttle service from central Darwin.[...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Tour Summary
by Luke Gillian , 03/06/2003 23:24:59
2-months ago, I landed in Guyana for the biggest Flag tour with120 people expected to join either on packages, or ticket purchases. It was daunting and I endured many sleepless nights wondering if the time would arrive. And when it did, I questioned if I’d done enough. If there was solace, it was the 48-hours travel to Guyana, a time I could do nothing. Missing connections in LA, I went to New York before flying first class to Guyana. There was a slight stumble to begin, so it could be construed as getting off to a bad start. But I arrived as did 30 others keen for a tour of an entirely different nature. [...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Grenada
by Luke Gillian , 03/06/2003 22:32:00
What a bath that was. I can’t recall last seeing Australia play so poorly. Without too much discredit, West Indies played beyond expectation, in much the way they chased 418 to win the last test in Antigua. It matters not that Australia had already won the series because I’m sure the boys still wanted to win as many games as possible. What they didn’t count for was the West Indies chasing 253 to win on Friday, then 248 on Sunday, and achieving the totals so emphatically. [...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Trinidad
by Luke Gillian , 29/05/2003 21:02:49
3-0 up and we were back to Trinidad for the double header at Queen’s Park Oval. Australia has never looked like losing a game and no matter what team they selected, the lads went into the weekend games exuding confidence required to win… again! And again, I must admit I made errors with ticket selection. With the loss of Gluv, now only five of us camped at Alicia’s House, and the end of the series was only a little over a week away though first we experienced the true nature of Trini cricket by sitting out the first ODI at the back of the cycle track. [...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - St Lucia
by Luke Gillian , 29/05/2003 21:00:47
It had to be one of the worse games of one-day cricket I've endured recently. Aside the fact Australia won quite convincingly, nothing happened. The game was as flat as the deck of the new Beausejour Stadium, in St Lucia. Brian Lara won the toss and asked us to bat first… again! Making first use of a pitch that has only seen 2-games prior should have seen Australia hit more than 4-258. The first over went for 10, at the 5th we were 25, by the 10th we were 50, and the 100 came up in the 22nd. The game was coasting and 6-wave slaves were less than enthused.[...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Jamaica
by Luke Gillian , 29/05/2003 20:58:25
It doesn’t take long to forget the test series, the result, or the selected team these days. No sooner has the umpire collected the bails, the teams walked off, and the creams put in the wash, than the short game is taken to the masses. The coloured clothes get dusted off, red ball coloured white, and the sightscreens painted black, and before long the sides are at it again in the middle fighting out the best of 7 series. [...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Antigua
by Luke Gillian , 14/05/2003 22:25:14
And that is the record! And quite unbelievably too! With the West Indies requiring only 47-runs with 4-wickets in hand from 90-overs on day 5 to achieve the world record total of 418 to win, it was verbally fought that Australia would still win the fourth test. Before I suggest the West Indies had the world record firmly in their grasp, I was supremely confident Australia would win the test. Why? Besides never giving in, breakdown test cricket and Australia is the only side that realistically can score 400+ in the 2nd innings to win.[...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Barbados
by Luke Gillian , 12/05/2003 13:48:12
It was back to where it all began for me, Kensington Oval. Though I hadn't seen cricket at The Oval since 1995, and the ground has undergone some serious redevelopment changing what I thought I would remember, the vivid memories of the '95 series flooded back. The scoreboard hasn't changed, the Greenidge Haynes Stand still rises somewhat oddly at Fine leg, next to the ever present 3W's Stand, erected and named in recognition of 3 of Barbados's finest cricketers, Sirs Frank Worrell, Everton Weekes, and Clyde Walcott. This was where the Flag chose to watch the slowest test of recent times.[...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Barbados Day 4
by Luke Gillian , 05/05/2003 12:52:56
Gluv is none to happy with the speed of the game. Again, a few Wave Slaves were flagging through the sessions that realised only 5-wickets for Australia, two of those to end the Windies first innings. Following on, the Windies put up some rear-guard action to keep Australia from running through their line up. Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan both hit another 50, whereas Brian Charles went to the close marginally close to another half century. There were many wishing the game would end on day-4, alas for them, we move into what should be an exciting and eye-opening final day. Go Australia![...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Barbados Day 3
by Luke Gillian , 04/05/2003 03:42:47
Quite possibly the best thing about West Indies cricket at the moment is their photogenicness (if that is a word). Sliding my camera to my mate with an official access tag around his neck he kindly captured the photo of the West Indies cricket team adding to my ever growing collection of 'team snaps'. I've no doubt more Flag 'team snaps' than cricket nations, so when the chance arises to claim one of the real McCoy's, one doesn't shy. The Windies aren't off the best start in the 3rd test, and a nice photo isn't the first step they should take to rectifying their woes. I couldn't tell you what that 1st step should be, but saying cheese isn't one of them.[...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Barbados Day 1
by Luke Gillian , 02/05/2003 00:40:05
The first day of the 3rd test saw a record number of Wave Slaves (95) witness cricket suicide by Brian Lara, who won the toss and elected to bowl. Seated in the upper tier of the 3 W's Stand, The Flag were overawed by yet another Ricky Ponting hundred, and what should have been another Justing Langer 3-figure score too, alas, Alf lost his head and went for a shower after hitting a confident 78. Darren Lehmann continued his marvellous form going to stumps 89 not out, and the Master Steve Waugh a diligent 6. Australia, after an on-the-boil first session that realised 113 in only 24-overs, slowed through the day to end 4-320. (There's nothing more to follow!) [...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Trinidad
by Luke Gillian , 27/04/2003 06:30:26
"And the Man Of The Match is Steve Waugh!" And the crowd goes wild. Wild in delicious thought I'll say, rather than actually. There's a difference between Man of The Match and Player of the Match and for most of the time the Player of the Match is irrefutably the Man of the Match. Many saw the 2nd test differently. Ricky Ponting was judged Man of the Match for his 206 that helped Australia secure the Frank Worrell trophy. It was perceived by many that he was the Player of the Match, whereas Man of the Match should have been Steve Waugh. And when was the last time a batsman that didn't bat be awarded such? I doubt it has ever happened, but in the context of the game, and the two declarations that created the hard fought game this match became, maybe Steve Waugh should have been Man of the Match.[...read this story]

Australia Z vs West Indies U19
by Luke Gillian , 18/04/2003 23:43:31
The games played so far in the West Indies by the touring Australian side have been nothing short of pathetic. The batting has been deplorable. The bowling contemptable. The fielding laughable. The enthusiasm unprecedented. Alas, enthusiasm can only go so far towards developing any remote excuse for competition, hence forth Australia has been totally outclassed in all departments on the scorecard and not even a redemption speech by the opposition captain expressing the good nature of Australia's spirit and commitment to the games played is enough to justify the woeful onfield performances. [...read this story]

Australia vs West Indies - Guyana
by Luke Gillian , 18/04/2003 23:40:18
'Hoot! Hoot!' 'Clap! Clap!' 'Hoot! Hoot!' Clap! Clap!' 'Hoot! Hoot! Hoot!' ' Clap! Clap! Clap!' 'Hoot! Hoot! Hoot!' Clap! Clap! Clap! And so went the cacophany of air horn and human percussion for four days across Bourda Oval, the red, white and blue dressed Pepsi Man (Joseph) parading the wooden stands with his incessant trumpeting exciting crowd only too pleased to follow his lead.[...read this story]

Australia Vs WI Presidents XI - Georgetown, Guyana
by Luke Gillian , 08/04/2003 16:53:40
What a briliant start to the tour. First ball in the game against the WI President's XI at the Everest Cricket Club was cut to the rope by Justin Langer through the vacant gully position [...read this story]

Australia Vs India - Johannesburg, World Cup Final
by Luke Gillian , 08/04/2003 16:24:12
England 1999, and South Africa this year, to witness Australian One Day Cricket Glory. Australia stumbled in 1996, but rose to claim the trophy in 1999. There's only one thing better than winning the World Cup one year .. [...read this story]

Australia Vs Sri Lanka - Port Elizabeth, 1st Semi Final
by Luke Gillian , 08/04/2003 16:17:18
I swore in 1996 my heart wouldn't take another semi final like it. Australia, seemingly out at the hands of the West Indies in Chandigarh, India, fought back in a thriller to claim a place in the Final .... [...read this story]

Australia Vs Kenya - Durban
by Luke Gillian , 08/04/2003 16:10:20
The last time Australia played Kenya was in the 1996 World Cup. Australia smashed 310, and in reply Kenya, 150-2 after 25-overs, eventually scored 260.... [...read this story]

Australia Vs New Zealand - Port Elizabeth
by Luke Gillian , 08/04/2003 16:03:39
And it seems, at least for this world cup, that 208 is always enough for Australia to win at St George's Park. Batting first against New Zealand,[...read this story]

World Cup Summary - Coming Soon
by Luke Gillian , 29/03/2003 14:20:18
With the advent of computer breakages, connection breakages, brain cell breakages and the like, my match reports from Australia vs NZ, Kenya, Sri Lanka, India, and a full tour summary, and all subsequent photos, are locked in a laptop that has no power, and an AC Adaptor swimming in the bowels of the Qantas Lost Property Monster. In the mean time, savour the thrill of holding the World Cup like our eternal Wave Slave Anthony (Flash) D'Amore did at Joburg Airport last Monday! Great work Flash! See you and others in the Windies next week![...read this story]

Australia vs Sri Lanka - Centurion
by Luke Gillian , 10/03/2003 13:46:46
Returning to Johannesburg, yet again, for Australia's first Super 6 game initiated a break in the trend of staying at The Backpacker's Ritz. "Let's stay at Rockey's for a change" was the general consensus. Not usually ones to break habit when following the game, on arrival from Port Elizabeth we were met at Joburg Station by Alfred who whizzed us to the quiet northern suburb where Rockey's moved to two year's ago from the now avoidable central city ghetto of Yeoville.[...read this story]

Australia vs England - Port Elizabeth
by Luke Gillian , 04/03/2003 12:14:35
And the trend continues! I've never seen Australia lose at St George's Park. Over recent years three of the greatest run chases in Australian cricketing history have restored any pessimists faith in the side that continues to amaze all oppositions. Yesterday's win over England is only on par with the other two wins because the first was a test match, and the 2nd was a ODI run chase of 327. [...read this story]

Out Of Potch To Zim To Potch!
by Luke Gillian , 02/03/2003 05:52:28
It would be arrogant to suggest the games Australia played against Zimbabwe and Namibia were foregone conclusions, but gee, no one would question the approach. Australia is chasing a clean sweep of their preliminary games and making the journey to Zimbabwe was the only way it could be done. There was always the talk that Australia would drop the Zim game based on the outcome of the games against India and Pakistan. Winning those, Australia didn't need to go to Bulawayo in so far as points go, but it was fantastic that they did.[...read this story]

Playing In Potch!
by Luke Gillian , 22/02/2003 11:32:02
Seated on the golf club terrace, the thick trail of weeping trees followed the creek that ran through the course. "Are they Willow trees?" was the question. Considering the golf course hotel is called The Willows, it should have been without saying. This is by no means any reflection of the intelligence of the questioner, instead an indication as to our mindset here in Potchefstroom. We're not really in thinking moods.[...read this story]

Australia vs Holland - Potch
by Luke Gillian , 22/02/2003 11:22:39
Australia vs. Holland. Not exactly a drawcard fixture, but hey, it still had to be played rain, hail or shine. Not much of the latter unfortunately, but the boys still did their bit to manufacture the 4-points we needed to ensure our unbeaten run continues. 'Our unbeaten run?â?™ I'm sure there's no one that doesn't respect the position we hold on the embankment and speaking of the team, our favourite 'Gods In Gold', we are as one as they chase glory on March 23. One things for sure, it won't be against Holland... this year![...read this story]

New Zealand vs South Africa
by Luke Gillian , 17/02/2003 13:27:13
I've been called Irish, German, English, American, and even Andy Bichel. Occasionally, I too get called New Zealand, and for want of a better term, I suppose for a few brief minutes yesterday, I were a Kiwi, but only for a few minutes mind you, so let's not get carried away. Dagsy, Blair and I went to the latest South Africa game, this time at Wanderers where they were taking on New Zealand.[...read this story]

Australia vs India - Centurion
by Luke Gillian , 17/02/2003 13:23:31
Our first road trip of the World Cup didn't exactly take us to the other side of the country but it did get us back to Potchefstroom some 120 south west of Johannesburg. This once quiet and unexciting backwater on The Flag's list of places to not to burst any valves getting to firmed as our quiet favourite one year ago during Australia's test series against South Africa, with a combination of great pubs, safe environs, and an 8000 strong university population comprising of 7000 girls![...read this story]

Australia vs Pakistan - Johannesburg
by Luke Gillian , 13/02/2003 12:13:13
With the memory of my disastrous start to the tournament in Cape Town behind me (below report What Opening Game), Darren, Blair, and I made the familiar walk from The Backpacker's Ritz to Wanderers Stadium for Australia's first game of the World Cup. We had embankment tickets allowing us the freedom to sit where we liked, and being the first spectators into the Bull Ring offered a bevvy of choice and it weren't too hard to decide to sit against the wall in front of the dressing rooms. This weren'tfor the proximity to the players either, instead, the ability to be able to stand throughout the game and not be in anyones way! [...read this story]

Welcome To South Africa
by Luke Gillian , 09/02/2003 09:24:14
Back to Africa! What a marvellous place! Landing in Joburg fresh from a crap Qantas/South African Airways joint effort, I asked the tourist information desk the way to the Holiday Inn Garden Court where I were to meet Darren and Blair. "You go through these doors, keep walking through the car park, and it is the 3rd hotel you come to." "Cheers mate!" And with that, I followed these rather lucid instructions to the perimeter fencing of the car park, separating me from the first hotel in the apparent string of three. The Holiday Inn Garden Court was absolutely nowhere in sight, and I was soon marching back with my 45kg of luggage to the airport terminal to start over, my mind constantly ticking over the perpetual statement, "This is Africa!" [...read this story]

Australia vs England - Sydney
by Simon Gibb , 23/01/2003 06:52:12
The hang over from the Boxing Day Test was short lived, as was my trip back home to Adelaide for New Year's Eve, and before I knew it I was back on a 737 to Sydney for the New Year's Test. It was a very enjoyable flight in the spacious confines of row 13 (exit row) and the luxury of having it all to myself....who says row 13 is unlucky!! I arrived at Kingsford Smith right on time....the same could not be said for my airport transfer to the Spry Family Country Club who I could see sprinting down to gate 8 as I was well on my way to Baggage collection!! [...read this story]

Australia vs England - Boxing Day Test
by Simon Gibb , 23/01/2003 06:43:53
Most of the time the MCG has an atmosphere that cannot be described to anyone who hasn't been there, so to try a tell you what it was like at my first Ashes Boxing Day Test Match is going to be a difficult task. Any trip to Melbourne is not complete without a shower or two which really detracted my Boxing Day debut last year against South Africa, where there were only just enough overs bowled to avoid getting a partial refund....funny that! Thankfully this year was a clear, warm day and a huge crowd was on hand, still full of Christmas cheer, and ready to see the Fourth Test of the series. [...read this story]

Australia vs England - Sydney
by Luke Gillian , 11/01/2003 23:10:30
The Sydney Cricket Ground would have to be my least favourite Australian venue for reasons that hold no relevance. Whatever the reasons, I still turn up, of course, as a matter of necessity to see Australia end the season, or start the year, on a big note! And there’s no bigger note than Australia seeking a 5-0 whitewash of the Ashes series. Not to put ‘the mozz’ on the lads but Australia do have an uncanny knack of losing the final game, a game that has no bearing on the outcome of the series. Whether that be Test or One-Day cricket, it is frustrating when it happens. [...read this story]

Australia vs England - Melbourne
by Luke Gillian , 11/01/2003 23:06:57
We love Christmas in Melbourne. To many, it means lots of food, drink, family, friends, and fun times. To many more, it means cricket on Boxing Day at the MCG! Well, I suppose it’s what I live for. I love Christmas for the leftover food I can take with me to the most important date on the cricketing calendar! [...read this story]

Guyana! - Be There in 2003!
by Luke Gillian , 02/12/2002 03:40:55
Guyana is referred to as the only mainland Caribbean country when it is in fact a South American country that competes at cricket! Guyana has produced some of the game's biggest legends such as Lance Gibbs, Rohan Kanhai, and 'Supercat' Clive Lloyd, all of who have stands named after them at Bourda Oval in the capital Georgetown! What will strike you first about Georgetown after the heart pumping and terrorisingly swift 42-km mini-bus journey from the airport, is the British Colonial architecture that has been both immaculately preserved in areas and shamefully left to waste as the suburbs will attest. [...read this story]

Trinidad! - Be There in 2003!
by Luke Gillian , 02/12/2002 03:38:55
Trinidad is the largest of the Winward Islands with the capital, Port-of-Spain, being the most populated with almost 400,000 inhabitants. With that comes a very industrial and ambitious society. The funky bars, pubs, music clubs, and restaurants are fantastic, but it is the hustling environs of the city centre rife with street vendors, department stores, office towers, commuter hubs, food outlets, rum shops, webs of backstreet sellers of locally produced clothes, handicratfs, music, and food that make POS a city that takes you away from the Caribbean glitz for, at times, a few pleasing hours! [...read this story]

St Lucia! - Be There in 2003!
by Luke Gillian , 02/12/2002 03:32:55
They are one of the Caribbean's most photographed geographical landmarks, and certainly one of the most recognisable features of the alluring region. 26-miles south of the St Lucian Capital of Castries are the impressive Pitons. Featured in advertising campaigns worldwide, and the name of the island's local beer (Piton), the Pitons are an awesome sight as they rise 2500-ft out of the turquiose waters dotted with yachts from the world over. Petit Piton stands in front of Grand Piton, the size difference easily seen from afar by the many that travel to this exotic locale to see these natural wonders. [...read this story]

Australia vs England - Perth
by Luke Gillian , 02/12/2002 03:27:55
With the latest Australian series win, the records keep tumbling, the history books rewritten and the thrill being at the WACA to witness one of the great Australian sides is just another reason to keep going. How far can one team go on the success scale? How many times can England keep losing? How often will Australia keep winning?[...read this story]

Adelaide: 2-0 And Counting!
by Simon Gibb , 28/11/2002 22:45:43
There's something special about travelling to see a cricket match away from the comfort of your own surroundings. It's that feeling of not really knowing what's behind that grandstand, that feeing of not exactly knowing which way the ground is from your hotel and that feeling of uncertaintly about the best place to sit and where the closest pub might be for an after match drink. Now having said that, there's nothing much better than watching a Test in your own town. Adelaide is my home, always has been and I've had many people tell me the Adelaide Oval is the most beautiful place to sit back and relax and watch a cricket match....so who am I to argue hey? [...read this story]

2nd Test Australia vs England!
by Luke Gillian , 24/11/2002 21:52:12
Adelaide turned it on again! Sunshine! Capacity crowd! And victory for Australia! In the last four years I've seen Australia smash India, the West Indies, and last year South Africa. This year it was England's turn, and like previous years it was a pleasure to watch! I've been asked several times if it gets boring watching Australia win so easily so often, and quite easily the answer to that is 'no!' Reason? Would I be pleased if we didn't win? No! So a win is a win and I love being there to see each and every one! [...read this story]

Gabba - First Blood
by Simon Gibb , 16/11/2002 05:56:18
Look up the definition of torture in any dictionary and it should read "Not being at the first ball of an Ashes series" and unfortunately that was your's truly on Thursday morning! Instead of being at The Gabba, I were at home in Adelaide preparing for a work trip to Melbourne as Andy Caddick delivered the first cherry. However work does afford me the luxury to travel and watch cricket so I shouldn't complain too much! [...read this story]

Australia vs England - Brisbane
by Luke Gillian , 12/11/2002 08:46:51
It's rarely one is privileged to see a batsman score a century in both innings. And when it occurs the thrill being there can barely be defined so I won't try. It was brilliant to be there and adds to the ever-growing list of achievements I've been pleasured by seeing over the years.[...read this story]

Sri Lanka / Sharjah - Summary!
by Luke Gillian , 02/11/2002 13:27:52
Having decided earlier in the year not to follow the Australia vs Pakistan test series, following the lack of 'executive decision' making in regards the series whereabouts, I was one week off sticking to that threat when the cricket boards committed themselves to playing the first test in Colombo, the second and third in Sharjah. On that news, it was off to Trailfinders to make further investment in the airline industry![...read this story]

Third Test - Australia vs Pakistan
by Luke Gillian , 23/10/2002 21:47:51
It was brilliant! Australia's victory over Pakistan in the third test was as impressive as it was concise, and authoritative. Bad light, again, halted the likelihood of the game ending late on day-3, but turning up on day-4 for what could have been a mere 2-balls of play, was not a hard task even battling with the deplorable UAE traffic.[...read this story]

Second Test - Australia vs Pakistan
by Luke Gillian , 14/10/2002 07:02:53
It was asked if I were disappointed that the game finished in less than two days. It's not often that a test match concludes the day after it started, and that statistic alone makes watching such a game worthwhile, for as the records tumbled with every Pakistan wicket we knew we were seeing something special. [...read this story]

The First Test - Australia vs Pakistan
by Luke Gillian , 08/10/2002 10:30:58
It was an enthralling test match that should have been played on Pakistan soil, alas circumstances prevailing we found ourselves at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium in outer Colombo, Sri Lanka, for the first test. It was here 3-years ago that Australia played a tour game and my relaxed memories rang true, though this match had a little more riding on it. [...read this story]

The Second Week!
by Luke Gillian , 30/09/2002 10:08:37
Hanging around Colombo for two weeks was not on my itinerary, but then I rarely have one that doesn't include a flight somewhere! My comfort zone was discovered early, so much so, I couldn't be bothered to see a neutral game of cricket at the nearby SSC, instead opting to sit on my reclaimed 'balcony' just soaking up the scents of the Sri Lankan Capital! [...read this story]

One Week Down!
by Luke Gillian , 21/09/2002 09:21:03
And so comes to an end the first week of my time in Sri Lanka, and like most every other tour, 'where does the time go'! It has been quite the slowest week of any tour thinking about it, though it feels of course only yesterday I was trying to convince the taxi driver at the airport I didn't want to go with him! [...read this story]

A Beautiful Night; With A Straight Bat!
by Luke Gillian , 20/09/2002 08:52:08
Nothing in my wildest dreams could prepare me for the night. Well, ok, I have some pretty wild dreams and most of them probably do include a Miss Somewhere, but I shit you not tonight has to take the cake! Of all the beautiful girls I might claim to have met over the years, I believe I have, for a change, seen collectively, some of the most beautiful human beings, and some not so, currently gracing this earth. Either that, or I have written this with too much Arrack in the veins! Saying that, these girls aren't just beautiful in my mind, but those of the countless that voted them their respective nation's most beautiful girl back in January this year! [...read this story]

Welcome To Colombo!
by Luke Gillian , 20/09/2002 07:54:21
Not the same excitement as past tour departures, but nonetheless leaving the UK was a gift and probably a few weeks after I really wanted! Why I wanted to leave London earlier than this is a mere personal gripe I won't define, but let me tell you, as I climbed aboard the Emirates flight to Dubai relaxation mode set in instantly. [...read this story]

Huge Demand Cripples World Cup Ticket Sales
by Neil Manthorpe , 08/06/2002 13:20:15
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Ticket sales for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa were marred by technological failure in the face of hefty demand on the first day of official sales. Of the 222,000 tickets available to the public in the first phase of sales just 90,000 were sold as customers at the 12 host venues faced long queues, the official website crashed under the weight of demand and there were problems at the call centre. [...read this story]

The Flag's South Africa Tour Summary!
by Luke Gillian , 16/04/2002 13:51:55
And so comes an end of Waving the Flag’s first official tour! It’s hard to imagine the tour when months away and even the day before it can be hard to comprehend where we’re going, even if having been to a continent like Africa before. The tour started on Feb 14 when Darren, Mark, Tim and I took the SAA flight from Perth to Joburg. A few beers later, we stood in Jan Smuts International Airport, Frankie from the Backpacker’s Ritz there to take us down the highways to our first night in Africa for the next two-months. [...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - One Day Summary!
by Luke Gillian , 16/04/2002 10:39:30
It was one of the more interesting an exciting one-day series for a very long time. Never one to fully immerse into the shorter version of the game, I found a new passion for one-day cricket as Australia taught South Africa a cricketing lesson. Following their dismal, yet at times encouraging, perfomance in the test series, it was bleated on more than one occasion by the parochial South Africans, that Australia will be unequivocally flogged in the one day series that began at Johannesburg's irrepressible Wanderers Stadium on March 22. Under the new leadership of Ricky Ponting, 45 of us ventured to see Punter win the toss and elect to put the score on the board first. [...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - The Media Championship!
by Little Wasa Hill , 02/04/2002 16:21:43
On a fine sunny Thursday morning after the tied One-day international miss-match between Australia and South Africa in good 'ole Potchefstroom, the Trans-Indian battle continued, this time between the Australia media side wearing the official ‘Flag’ gold tour shirt and cap and captained by Malcolm Conn (Connman), and South Africa media captained by Fergus Ryan (Fergus).[...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - Test Series Summary!
by Luke Gillian , 25/03/2002 17:16:29
Though we had reserved seats, the anticipation of the first day of the first test in Johannesburg sent us to the ground early to prepare for what was titled ‘Battle of the Giants’. This was a test series I’d been looking forward to for months, well before the one-sided series that ended in Australia 6-weeks earlier. It had been five years since Australia toured South Africa and the enjoyment at following the ’97 tour was still fresh in the mind well before I landed in Joburg on February 14. [...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - Durban
by Luke Gillian , 19/03/2002 13:14:21
It has happened before and it will happen again! Australia, having claimed the test series in Cape Town, came to Durban with the wont to win 6-0 alas, a defiant South Africa, the team that showed tremendous resilience when losing in the Cape, spoiled Australia's party with what could be termed a crushing 5-wicket victory![...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - Cape Town
by Luke Gillian , 14/03/2002 08:54:11
Almost 55,000 attended Newlands Cricket Ground, situated under the breathtaking Table Mountain, to watch one of the better games of Test Cricket played in recent times. For the locals it was an inspiration to see their side bounce back so confidently after the Johannesburg drubbing, but for the visiting spectators such as our near 60, seeing Australia extend their series lead to 2-0 was overwhelming; complimented by a rousing lap of honour by the team who stopped to pay their respects to all of us on the embankment.[...read this story]

Stellenbosch Wineries!
by Luke Gillian , 09/03/2002 17:23:01
With a limited schedule it can be hard to know what to do in Cape Town. Climb Table Mountain, visit Robben Island, tour the Cape Peninsular, or tour the Stellenbosch wine lands! Arriving with 2-days spare before the start of the Second Test, 30 of us ventured to the winelands for a day of inebriation, education, culture and a few vats of laughter![...read this story]

Toby Joe's!
by Luke Gillian , 04/03/2002 14:05:38
Everybody scored! And if they didn't at least it was implied or rumoured they did! It was a huge night by unscalable proportions! I remember when Australia won the test series here five years ago, Toby Joe's was on fire with cricketers, supporters, journos and anyone else wanting to celebrate the marvellous Australian win, but last night was only after a tour game! Tobys was on fire again tonight as were all the girls (Jess, Lisbeth, Gabbi, Belinda and Michele), Lewis, Wisden, Belly, and of course Wasa! [...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - Apparently!
by Luke Gillian , 03/03/2002 19:02:44
It was a very convincing win by the lads! An innings an 43 runs was the deficit and again we find ourselves with another day off, this time a day to relax before making the journey to Cape Town for the second test! Over and above all else, a big congratulations must be made to Shane Watson who made a magnificent century on first class debut for Australia![...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa A - Port Elizabeth
by Luke Gillian , 01/03/2002 18:39:45
All of us were quietly disappointed when we learnt there wasn't a test match in Port Elizabeth, but quietly were more than thrilled to learn there would be a tour game in PE! PE is a marvellous place on Algoa bay![...read this story]

First Test - Australia vs South Africa!
by Luke Gillian , 27/02/2002 13:21:20
It was the greatest shellacking I have ever seen! It might not be the greatest Test Match I've ever seen, but as I think long and hard about the all games I have seen, it isn't easy deciding what exactly is the greatest! It is all academic mind you for this Test was unequivocally and uncatagorically borderline sublime for the ruthless and painless way Australia demolished South Africa.[...read this story]

Parade of Potch
by Luke Gillian , 18/02/2002 19:02:23
It was what following the game is all about! The training session! Not only watching the Australians chase the ball across the outfield after a Steve Waugh cover drive, but being asked onto the field to chase the said balls! [...read this story]

Welcome to South Africa!
by Luke Gillian , 17/02/2002 18:56:24
'The Flag's' latest tour is underway! First is three 3-Test Matches, and 7-one-day games in South Africa, then to Zimbabwe for 2-test matches and 3-one-dayers. Three months is a long tour but, as previous tours testify, time will pass and before we know it the Pakistan tour -the volatility of the sub-continent bruising our enthusiasm- will be here, and the comparative marshmallowness of Africa will seem a lifetime past! [...read this story]

Australia's Summer Test Series Summary!
by Luke Gillian , 12/01/2002 03:06:55
There's just not the same intrigue about following the Australian Domestic Test Series, but there is nonetheless an opportunity, when like overseas, to experience life beyond the homeground. Australia vs New Zealand isn't the greatest drawcard and many would shy away from going to such a test in their home city let alone considering travel across Australia. [...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - Sydney
by Luke Gillian , 08/01/2002 06:42:04
And so comes to an end Australia's summer Test Series! Finished in emphatic style with a crushing 10-wicket win over the South Africans who at least showed promise for a far more heady competition when Australia tour next month! The test match finished one day after most thought it would that went to reiterate what most believe of the game of cricket, that it's not over until the last ball has been bowled![...read this story]

Australia vs South Africa - Melbourne!
by Luke Gillian , 30/12/2001 03:51:31
The anticipation of the Boxing Day Test Match is as much concern as the weather; the wonts of 75,000+ people for the conditions to be glorious. Alas, weather forecasts for the week prior weren't favourable; forecasts that proved to be disappointingly accurate! South Africa's Boxing Day Test Matches in 1993 and 1996 both ended in draws due to the weather, and though recent stats weren't on their side and following their 246-run drubbing in Adelaide, South Africa needed more than weather to assist. [...read this story]

Port Elizabeth - Be There In 2002
by Luke Gillian , 19/12/2001 03:56:56
Regarded as 'The Windy City', Port Elizabeth (PE) on the shores of Algoa Bay, attracts water sport enthusiasts wanting to make use of the conditions conducive to surfboards and sails along the glorious 40km stretch of beaches. Only a small city, and thus also known as the '10 minute City' for its ease of getting about so long as it's not into the wind, PE is a good base to either explore the dramatic coastline or inland Eastern Cape, or to start or finish journeying the infamous 'Garden Route' between PE and the Western Cape. [...read this story]

Australia v South Africa - Adelaide
by Luke Gillian , 19/12/2001 02:56:56
It was a tremendous moment for the Australian summer; summer! The sun shone hot! The days were bright, and the tan darkened, as the ill feeling after the 3-New Zealand tests evaporated in a typically hot Adelaide. [...read this story]

Durban - Be There In 2002
by Luke Gillian , 06/12/2001 05:56:43
With its golden beachfront shadowed by towering hotels and apartments, Durban is an exciting, multi-cultural city with a busy port, bustling business and social centres, and year round sunshine. The Capital of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is the gateway to the inspiring Drakensberg Ranges and the southern coastal resorts that stretch for hundreds of miles. [...read this story]

Australia vs New Zealand; Perth!
by Luke Gillian , 06/12/2001 05:00:43
It was shades of India! In fact it was a massive shadow of the epic test series earlier this year that fell on a knife edge, India eventually and disappointingly, escaping with a 2-1 series victory. Not as excrutiating, the series against New Zealand went into the third test in Perth 0-0 with both teams needing to play out of their skin to claim the Trans Tasman Trophy! [...read this story]

Australia vs New Zealand; Hobart
by Luke Gillian , 27/11/2001 03:33:51
I never thought a Test Match could dissipate into one that resembled Australia's last tour of Sri Lanka when rain bucketed down allowing only 3-days play for the last 2-Tests! Then, test cricket always gives something you never imagined. [...read this story]

Australia vs New Zealand, Brisbane!
by Luke Gillian , 17/11/2001 02:45:22
It was shades of India with the brilliance of Gilchrist! It was shades of England with the frustration of rain! It was otherwise perfect cricket! A test match of resolve and vulnerability, proving a stark reminder of just how test cricket should be played! [...read this story]

Johannesburg - Be There In 2002
by Luke Gillian , 16/11/2001 02:45:22
The City of Gold, the energetic financial and industrial capital of Africa is where thousands of Africans descend to make their fortune and thousands of travellers arrive to discover the southern wonders of this inspirational continent. Courting with easily avoidable and very localised high crime, the affluent and safe northern suburbs, with their Edwardian mansions and European Heritage, is the area most common for travellers! [...read this story]

Brizbane Ablaze!
by Mark Smith , 16/11/2001 02:40:11
In a game that is so multi-faceted, painted on such a broad canvas, and open to such variability, the First Test in Brisbane was a luminous masterpiece in a gallery of classics that the modern Australians have featured for more than two years now. [...read this story]

Cape Town - Be There In 2002
by Luke Gillian , 10/11/2001 09:52:49
As if scattered by the unexpected rise of it's postcard Table Mountain backdrop, enchanting Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and scintillating beaches, Captonians and visitors have come to label Cape Town one of the World's most Beautiful Cities. [...read this story]