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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an England cricket fan desire?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group flying out for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as relatives and companions planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"We always thought that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts references this, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never featured in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Of course, it's unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. Additionally, it's our first experience abroad at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, I've got golf to turn to," she finished.