🔗 Share this article

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

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have a large group flying out for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are organized trips who will be vacationing down under, as well as relatives and companions heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in their hometown.

"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about mental resilience. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good currently."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Of course, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays overseas. It is also our first experience abroad over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to turn to," she added.