🔗 Share this article

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

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been giving me grief 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 regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

However, the situation is now facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good currently."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that stands up for England and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."

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

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be mine and Rory's first time away from home at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.