🔗 Share this article

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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

This is not the case this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as relatives and companions heading for a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their family home in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

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

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for England fans.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, came the reply: "It appears the Aussies are just too good currently."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We will have a great time anyway," added another sibling. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money already."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. This will be a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to fall back on," she finished.