'Everyone's giving me grief' regarding the Ashes being over before I get there.

Spectators down under

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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as loved ones embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", 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 the north of England.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

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

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia before it began.

But they are now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, 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 top order."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior currently."

"It will require more than one player that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a great time regardless," said Katie. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Of course, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money already."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays overseas. This will be a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."

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

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

Michael Oneal
Michael Oneal

A design enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with over a decade of experience in interior styling and sustainable home solutions.