Brian Lawless / © PA Photos

T20 leagues have loosened the hold of national loyalty in cricket, but fans in the international game today - perhaps as a reflection of the times we live in - like to display their support on their sleeves (or faces or bodies). One of the ways to show your support for your team is using the country's flag.

In the photo above, from Belfast in 2015, the rainbow seems to perfectly frame the Australian flag and define the arc of the wave.

Tom Shaw / © Getty Images

You can use the flag for more than just waving about. Graham Thorpe employs one as a sarong after being announced as England's captain for an ODI series in Sri Lanka in 2000-01. England lost the series 3-0 and those were the only international matches in which Thorpe led.

Louis Quail / © Getty Images

It can also double up as a colourful headscarf.

Sean Garnsworthy / © Getty Images

Or a superhero cape.

Jewel Samad / © AFP/Getty Images

Or a bikini top when spending a day in the sun, watching cricket.

Marty Melville / © Getty Images

Or a blanket when spending a day in the cold, watching cricket.

Sam Panthaky / © AFP/Getty Images

Want to really show your support? Drape the flag over the balconies of your school, like these kids in Ahmedabad do during the 2011 World Cup.

Ross Setford / © PA Photos/Getty Images

You can also use a flag as a message board.

© PA Photos/Getty Images

Or as a makeshift hammock: Darren Gough gets bumps from his team-mates after being named Man of the Series in Sri Lanka, in 2000-01. England won the Tests 2-1.

Stu Forster / © Getty Images

A kite with the Union Jack on it drifts onto the ground in Kandy, 2003.

James Knowler / © Getty Images

If the beer cans and the cartoon Shane Warne are too subtle, the flags tacked on to this feller's headgear helpfully let you know who he supports.

Narinder Nanu / © AFP/Getty Images

The message (and the India flags, the bat, the stumps and the pitch) in the bottle is clear: the artist responsible for this miniature is a fan of Indian cricket.

Sergio Dionisio / © Getty Images

A Virgin Atlantic flight carrying the England team flies the St George's Cross upon landing in Sydney for the 2006-07 Ashes.

© ICC

Painting the flag on your face can be a simple way of showing your support.

Indranil Mukherjee / © AFP/Getty Images

Though the exercise can become complicated depending on the complexity of your feelings for your team.

Lloyd Pierre / © Getty Images

And finally: one way to show your support for the global game.

Nishi Narayanan is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

 

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