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There was a lot of positivity about England’s chances of ending their 15-year wait for a win in Australia before it even began.
But they now stare at extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday 25 December (23:30 GMT).
Ben Stokes’ side – and their supporters – will be desperate to avoid a dreadful 5-0 result.
Alex said the “excitement and fun” of coach Brendon McCullum’s Baseball in recent years had “reinvigorated” Test cricket for England fans.
But the Riding brothers said they have low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests, and all they are asking of the players is “a little fight”.
Rory added: “Every critic points to that, but it all comes down to mental resilience. ‘Bazball’ has been elevated into a term now, like bullshit cricket.”
“In a five-day Test match, you have to take cover. Running outside the ‘sixth stump’ areas has never been in the textbooks, and that’s mainly the fault of the top order.”
Asked if he thought England would win a match in the Ashes series, Sam said: “The Aussies look very good at the moment.
He added: “There must be more than one player representing England and making a big impact.”
Despite the outcome, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.
“We’re going to have a good time anyway,” Katie said. “We have to go with this attitude.
“Obviously it’s disappointing that we’re not fighting for more, but we’ve spent a lot of money already.
“We’ll make the most of spending Christmas and New Year’s there. It’s also Rory and I’s first time away from home at this time of year.”
Rory, a teacher, is determined to make the most of a 21,000-mile round trip as part of the Christmas break.
“If all else fails, I have to get back to golf,” he added.
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