🔗 Share this article

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters traveling for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also travel parties who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years 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 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip anyway," added another sibling. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be mine and Rory's first time away from home at this time of year."

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

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," Katie concluded.