🔗 Share this article

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

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

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the longest format for England fans.

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

"Every pundit references this, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior currently."

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

Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," added another sibling. "We have to go with that outlook."

"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 overseas. This will be a new experience for us away from home during the festive period."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to fall back on," she finished.