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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an supporter of the English team desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are tour groups who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as families and friends embarking on a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

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

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

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

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the longest format for English supporters.

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

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never been in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good currently."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that attitude."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We will make the most of spending the festive season in Australia. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.