🔗 Share this article

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have a large group making the journey for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also organized trips who will be vacationing down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

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

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in the north of England.

"People in the office has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under before it began.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."

"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

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

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

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be a new experience for us 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, there's always golf to rely on," she finished.