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

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

That will not be happening this time, though, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "renewed interest in" the longest format for followers of the team.

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

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It looks like the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."

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

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays out there. This will be a new experience for us away from home 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've got golf to turn to," she added.