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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

This is not the case this time, though, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have a large group flying out for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

There are also travel parties who will be vacationing down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their residence in the north of England.

"People in the office has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

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

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under before it began.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for English supporters.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "It looks like the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require more than one player that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be our first experience abroad over Christmas."

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

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