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

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia before it began.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the longest format for English supporters.

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".

"All analysts references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It appears the Australians are superior currently."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a great time regardless," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.