🔗 Share this article

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan ask for?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans flying out for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as loved ones planning a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

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

"People in the office has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

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

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - 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 "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts references this, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never featured in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."

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

Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We will have a great time regardless," said Katie. "We have to go with that mindset."

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

"We plan to savor spending the festive season out there. This will be our first experience traveling over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," she finished.