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Sunshine, iconic meat pies, and some of the most renowned cricket stadiums in the world—England cricket fans surely can’t ask for much more. Yet, what many had hoped for was an Ashes series in Australia that still held the promise of England reclaiming the urn after the opening three Tests. Unfortunately for those supporters, that scenario is off the table. Australia’s commanding 82-run victory in Adelaide has given the hosts a 3-0 lead, marking the fourth straight Ashes series on home soil where they are ahead by such a margin.
Among the staunch supporters traveling for the concluding matches in Sydney and Melbourne are 3,000 members of the Barmy Army, England’s passionate fanbase. Alongside them, other tour groups and families are making the long journey to Australia to enjoy the cricket and the festive season down under. The Ryding family—Alex, Sam, Rory, and Katie—are among these devoted fans. They booked their flights and tickets for the fourth and fifth Tests well in advance, hoping to witness a rare and historic England success on Australian soil. Instead, they have watched in frustration from their home in Penwortham, Lancashire, as Australia dismantled England in a matter of just 11 days.
Initial optimism about England’s chances to break their 15-year drought of Ashes victories in Australia was widespread before the series began. However, as the fourth Test approaches in Melbourne on December 25, the England team and their followers face the harsh reality of potentially extending their winless streak on Australian pitches to 19 matches. With Ben Stokes leading the side, avoiding a 5-0 whitewash has become a pressing concern. Alex reflected on the recent resurgence of Test cricket enthusiasm fueled by coach Brendon McCullum’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, noting how it has reinvigorated the game for England fans. Yet, the Rydings remain cautious about the upcoming matches, focusing merely on hoping the team shows “a bit of fight.”
Rory expressed skepticism about the so-called ‘Bazball’ style, suggesting that it might have been taken too far and emphasizing the need for mental toughness in the long format. “In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside ‘sixth stump’ areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault of the top order,” he remarked. Sam echoed these sentiments, casting doubt on England’s prospects of winning any of the remaining matches, saying, “It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment. There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact.” Despite the discouraging outlook, the siblings are still excited about their trip. Katie highlighted their positive mindset, saying, “We are going to have a great time anyway. We have to go with that attitude.” For her and Rory, it will also be their first Christmas and New Year away from home. A schoolteacher by profession, Katie intends to enjoy the experience fully and mentioned that if the cricket disappoints, she can always turn to golf to pass the time
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