🔗 Share this article

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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters 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 loved ones planning a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their family home in their hometown.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under before it began.

But they are now facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for English supporters.

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

"All analysts references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

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

"It will be a great time anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. This will be a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to fall back on," she finished.