Feb 14, 2001, WavingTheFlag.com went live. Created to present Australian Cricket Tours from our side of the fence, we shared tour reports, diaries, images, and postcards from an incredible cricket world. This was our first postcard!
Watching South Africa play in Karachi (28/01/21), celebrating test cricket's return to Pakistan reminds me of the Australian Cricket Tour of Pakistan 1998 and time in Karachi. It was ambush marketing by definition.
The Pakistan India border closing 'beating retreat' at Wagah/Attari is a ferocious nightly event witnessed by more people than any other military ritual. A 1-hour parade of parochial pride, culminates in the lowering and folding of each nation's flag.
'Jingle Buses' and 'Jingle Trucks' of Pakistan are a sight to behold and delight to hear as they melodically travel the roads of this amazing cricket country. The term comes from the 'Jingle' of steel discs and pendants, that hang underneath, dragging along the roads.
Exploring markets in India, Pakistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka as we follow cricket around the world is never a bore. One of our favourites is Pettah in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
With the pleasure of watching Australia play Test Cricket in Pakistan, 1998, I also had the pleasure of visiting the world's largest outdoor laundry, where families live, work, and wash.
The name says it all about this Georgetown 'public service'. The passion displayed in the business name is exactly what is needed - 'catchy, unique, and memorable'. To young Winston's credit, his is unique!
On the eve of Australia's Test Cricket Tour to Bangladesh 2020, I found this photo from my first visit to 'Bangers' in 2005. Talking my way into the Shipbreaking Yards of Bhatiari Beach, Chittagong, I found this fellow taking a break.
The South Africa Flag is one the more colourful of world cricket and with each Australia Cricket Tour to South Africa, more and more flags are being waved by their people, as they support their lads on the field.
This ageless photo from Chennai, India reminds me of a 'conversation' I had with a blokeat Old Trafford during Australia's Ashes Cricket Tour Of England 2019. Getting my flag out, a bloke behind stated, "That flag better not touch me!"
With fondness I remember Australia's 1998 Test Cricket Tour to Pakistan. Since then, among other unique pleasures, I've missed playing snooker in the streets of Multan.
On the Australian Cricket Tour of South Africa in 2006, 'The Flaggy Green', was inaugurated, awarded to those that tour with us. From 1995 - 2016 we welcomed 650 Flaggers. Our 400th was a special celebration.