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

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have a large group flying out for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are travel parties who will spend the Christmas period 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 four such fans.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.

"People in the office has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for English supporters.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit references this, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

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

"It will require more than one player that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"We will have a great time regardless," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."

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

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season overseas. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."

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 rely on," she finished.