🔗 Share this article

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want 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 this time, though, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are tour groups who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

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

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.

"People in the office has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

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

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for English supporters.

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

"Every pundit points it out, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require multiple performers that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a great time regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money already."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. This will be our first experience abroad at this time of year."

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

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.