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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

There are also travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

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

"Everyone at work has been making comments that the series is done 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 breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for England fans.

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

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," added another sibling. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Of course, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money already."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year overseas. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

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