🔗 Share this article

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an supporter of the English team desire?

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

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also travel parties who will be vacationing overseas, as well as loved ones embarking on a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their family home in the north of England.

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

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

But they are now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for English supporters.

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

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

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

"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. This will be a new experience for us abroad over Christmas."

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

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to turn to," Katie concluded.