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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan ask for?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening this time, though, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are tour groups who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as relatives and companions planning a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"It will require multiple performers that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money already."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."

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

"If all else fails, there's always golf to rely on," she added.