🔗 Share this article

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an England cricket fan ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are travel parties who will be vacationing down under, as well as loved ones heading for a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating 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," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this contest, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good currently."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Obviously it is a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."

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

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