🔗 Share this article

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have a large group making the journey for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their house in the north of England.

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

"The hope was that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"It will require several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

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

A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to fall back on," she finished.