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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series 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 victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have a large group flying out for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

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

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil 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 Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never featured in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this contest, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

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

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to turn to," she added.