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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

The group had their flights and tickets secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

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

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" 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 requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that stands up for England and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We will have a great time regardless," said Katie. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. It is also our first experience away from home over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," she finished.