'I'm getting constant stick' regarding the Ashes concluding ahead of my trip.

Cricket fans on tour

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have a large group making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

The group had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."

The Remaining Matches

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory 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 makes a significant contribution and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

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

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

"We will make the most of spending the festive season out there. This will be our first experience abroad at this time of year."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," Katie concluded.

Jason Rodriguez
Jason Rodriguez

A tech enthusiast and gaming strategist with over a decade of experience in digital entertainment and software development.