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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

There are also travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their house in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts points it out, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"It will require several individuals that stands up for England and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the group remains excited about the trip.

"It will be a great time anyway," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to rely on," she finished.