🔗 Share this article

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an supporter of the English team ask for?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have a large group making the journey for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

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

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

But they are now staring down the barrel 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 tourists - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

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

However, the group said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good currently."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," said Katie. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

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