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

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as families and friends heading for a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under before it began.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for England fans.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."

"It will require several individuals that stands up for England and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a great time nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Obviously it is a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We will make the most of spending the festive season overseas. This will be our first experience away from home over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," she finished.