🔗 Share this article

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

This is not the case this time, though, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters traveling for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

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

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

But they are now facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a great time regardless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that attitude."

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

"We plan to savor spending the festive season out there. This will be a new experience for us away from home over Christmas."

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

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