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

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

This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.

The group had their flights and tickets secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.

"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money already."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays in Australia. Additionally, it's a new experience for us traveling during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to fall back on," she added.