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

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening this time, though, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters flying out for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their house in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

But they are now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for English supporters.

Yet the fans 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 fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

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

"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we can't contest the series, 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 away from home at this time of year."

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

"If all else fails, there's always golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.