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

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

This is not the case this time, though, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters flying out for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as loved ones planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their residence in their hometown.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a great time anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year overseas. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time away from home at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.