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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an supporter of the English team ask for?

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

That will not be happening this time, though, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as relatives and companions planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their residence in their hometown.

"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "renewed interest in" the longest format for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"It will require several individuals that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

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

"We will have a fantastic experience regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."

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

"We plan to savor spending the festive season overseas. This will be mine and Rory's first time traveling over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.