'I'm getting constant stick' about the series finishing ahead of my trip.

England supporters in Australia

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower desire?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are travel parties who will be vacationing down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.

"People in the office has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

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

"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "We have to go with that attitude."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. Additionally, it's our first experience away from home over Christmas."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to turn to," Katie concluded.

Jonathan Nelson
Jonathan Nelson

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in SEO and content marketing, passionate about data-driven growth.