'I'm getting constant stick' about the series concluding ahead of my trip.

Cricket fans on tour

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

That will not be happening this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

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

In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their house in their hometown.

"Everyone at work has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"We always thought that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

But they are now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the Aussies are just too good currently."

"It will require multiple performers that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.

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

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

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season in Australia. It is also a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.

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

Terri Howell
Terri Howell

Lena is a digital strategist with over 8 years of experience in web development and content marketing, passionate about creating user-centric designs.