🔗 Share this article

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

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

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

In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"We always thought that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this contest, Sam said: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."

"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"It will be a great time nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays overseas. 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 Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to rely on," she finished.