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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn 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 a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as loved ones heading for a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in the north of England.

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

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

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 staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted 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 English supporters.

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

"All analysts points it out, but it all is about psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never been in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

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 more than one player that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a great time anyway," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season in Australia. Additionally, it's our first experience traveling at this time of year."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.