🔗 Share this article

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also tour groups who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"We always thought that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior right now."

"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Obviously it is disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also mine and Rory's first time away from home during the festive period."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

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