🔗 Share this article 'People keep ribbing me' over the series concluding ahead of my trip. Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan desire? Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn following the initial matches. Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil. The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans flying out for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria. Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as families and friends planning a special expedition. Fans with Booked Tickets Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example. Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a rare England series success. From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in the north of England. "People in the office has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam. "Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived." Diminishing Hope Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball. Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day. The tourists - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline. Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for England fans. However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight". "Every pundit references this, but it all is about mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding. "Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen." Looking Ahead Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side right now." "There is going to have to be more than one player that delivers for the team and turns the game." Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip. "It will be a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook." "Of course, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount as it is." "We plan to savor spending the festive season out there. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time traveling during the festive period." A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays. "As a backup plan, I can play golf to rely on," Katie concluded.