🔗 Share this article

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an England cricket fan desire?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters flying out for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also travel parties who will be vacationing down under, as well as families and friends planning a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

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

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

Yet now they are 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 this week.

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

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

"If all else fails, I've got golf to rely on," Katie concluded.