🔗 Share this article

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters flying out for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their family home in the north of England.

"People in the office has been making comments that the series is done 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."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

But they are now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this contest, came the reply: "It appears the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"It will be a great time anyway," said Katie. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be a new experience for us abroad over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to fall back on," she finished.