🔗 Share this article

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an England cricket fan ask for?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also tour groups who will be vacationing down under, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a rare England series success.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their family home in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

However, the situation is now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, Sam said: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the fans are anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Obviously it is disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year overseas. It is also mine and Rory's first time away from home during the festive period."

A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to turn to," she finished.