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

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters traveling for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as loved ones heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in the north of England.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts references this, but it all hinges on 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 dig in. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the fans are anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a great time regardless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Of course, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season overseas. This will be a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to fall back on," she added.