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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an Three Lions follower ask for?

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

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans flying out for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

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

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

But they are now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for English supporters.

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

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the group remains excited about the trip.

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

"Obviously it is disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be our first experience traveling over Christmas."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to fall back on," she finished.