🔗 Share this article

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an England cricket fan possibly want?

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

This is not the case this time, though, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have a large group flying out for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

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

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

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

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, Sam said: "It looks like the Australians are superior at the moment."

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

Even with the series lost, the group remains anticipating the trip.

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

"Of course, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us traveling during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, 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," she added.