🔗 Share this article

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

This is not the case this time, though, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have a large group making the journey for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also tour groups who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as loved ones planning a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

But they are now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience anyway," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays in Australia. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to rely on," she finished.