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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

There are also tour groups who will be vacationing down under, as well as loved ones planning a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

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

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

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

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"It will require several individuals that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Obviously it is a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year in Australia. This will be our first experience traveling over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.