🔗 Share this article

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have a large group flying out for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia before it began.

But they are now facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for followers of the team.

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

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good currently."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Of course, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year overseas. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

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