'People keep ribbing me' about the Ashes finishing ahead of my trip.

Spectators on tour

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are tour groups who will be vacationing down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

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

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged 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 under two weeks from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia before it began.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "reinvigorated" the longest format for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a great time nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Of course, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money already."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."

A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

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

Rita Walker
Rita Walker

A UK-based business consultant specializing in digital transformation and process engineering for SMEs.