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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 win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have a large group making the journey for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under before it began.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "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 fans are anticipating the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays overseas. Additionally, it's a new experience for us abroad over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to turn to," she finished.