🔗 Share this article

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also travel parties who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.

"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia before it began.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "reinvigorated" the longest format for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior currently."

"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Of course, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We will make the most of spending the festive season overseas. This will be our first experience traveling during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.