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

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

This is not the case this time, though, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

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

There are also tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their house in their hometown.

"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"Our expectation had been 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 before it began.

However, the situation is now facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "reinvigorated" the longest format for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts references this, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

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

"We are going to have a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year overseas. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time traveling during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.