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

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

This is not the case this time, though, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

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

In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as families and friends planning a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their house in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

But they are now facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a great time regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Obviously it is disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be a new experience for us away from home during the festive period."

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

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