🔗 Share this article

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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their family home in their hometown.

"People in the office has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

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

"We are going to have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Obviously it is a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. This will be our first experience away from home at this time of year."

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

"If all else fails, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.