🔗 Share this article

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are tour groups who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their residence in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

But they are now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" the longest format for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. It is also our first experience abroad at this time of year."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to rely on," she finished.