🔗 Share this article

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are travel parties who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this contest, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior right now."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," added another sibling. "We have to go with that attitude."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to rely on," she added.