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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

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

The four siblings had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the longest format for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts points it out, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good currently."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that stands up for England and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."

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

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," she added.