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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?

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.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.

England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

There are also travel parties who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones embarking on a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

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

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

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

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

Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. It is also a new experience for us traveling over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to turn to," Katie concluded.