🔗 Share this article

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in the north of England.

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

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

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

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It appears the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"It will require several individuals that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."

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

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year in Australia. This will be our first experience abroad at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.