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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an England cricket fan possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones planning a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

But they are now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience regardless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to fall back on," she finished.