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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as loved ones heading for a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their family home in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Of course, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money already."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home over Christmas."

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

"If all else fails, I can play golf to fall back on," she finished.