🔗 Share this article

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

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

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

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years 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 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all is about psychological strength. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."

"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.

"It will be a great time nonetheless," said Katie. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season out there. This will be a new experience for us abroad during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

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