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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.

"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory 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 prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for English supporters.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts references this, but it all is about psychological strength. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'outside the line has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior right now."

"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.

"It will be a great time regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also a new experience for us traveling during the festive period."

A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," Katie concluded.