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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as families and friends planning a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their residence in their hometown.

"People in the office has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all is about mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior currently."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also our first experience away from home over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," Katie concluded.