🔗 Share this article

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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

But they are now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for England fans.

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

"Every pundit references this, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," said Katie. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Obviously it is a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also mine and Rory's first time away from home during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to turn to," she added.