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

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters flying out for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their house in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

But they are now facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts points it out, but it all is about mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

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

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also our first experience away from home over Christmas."

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

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to fall back on," she added.