🔗 Share this article

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

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening during this tour, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as relatives and companions planning a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia before it began.

But they are now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this contest, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Obviously it is a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money already."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

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