'Everyone's giving me grief' about the Ashes being over ahead of my trip.

Cricket fans on tour

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

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

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group flying out for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will be vacationing overseas, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in the north of England.

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

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

But they are now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, Sam said: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good right now."

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

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip regardless," said Katie. "We have to go with that attitude."

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

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year overseas. Additionally, it's our first experience away from home during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

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

Julie Murphy
Julie Murphy

A passionate football journalist with over a decade of experience covering Serie A and local Verona teams.