'Everyone's giving me grief' over the series concluding before I get there.

Cricket fans down under

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans flying out for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also tour groups who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones heading for a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their family home in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under before it began.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the longest format for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts points it out, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

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

"It will be a great time anyway," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Of course, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. This will be our first experience traveling over Christmas."

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

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," she finished.

David Duran
David Duran

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