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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an England cricket fan ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

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

"All my colleagues has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia before it began.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts references this, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that stands up for England and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

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

"Obviously it is disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. This will be mine and Rory's first time traveling at this time of year."

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

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