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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group flying out for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a rare England series success.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under before it began.

But they are now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for followers of the team.

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

"Every pundit references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'outside the line has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this contest, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"It will require several individuals that stands up for England and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the group remains excited about the trip.

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

"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also our first experience away from home over Christmas."

A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," Katie concluded.