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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters traveling for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly 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," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require several individuals that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We will have a great time nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Obviously it is a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also our first experience away from home at this time of year."

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

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