🔗 Share this article

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility 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 put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their house in their hometown.

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

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts references this, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior right now."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season overseas. This will be mine and Rory's first time traveling during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," she added.