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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

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

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

But they are now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

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

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about mental resilience. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, Sam said: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

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

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

"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 celebrating the holidays overseas. It is also our first experience abroad at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

"If all else fails, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.