'I'm getting constant stick' about the Ashes finishing before I get there.

England supporters down under

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.

England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters flying out for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

There are also tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones heading for a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their residence in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, came the reply: "It appears the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. It is also a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.

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

Ronald Cox
Ronald Cox

A storyteller and life coach who shares real-world experiences to empower others in their personal and professional journeys.