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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening this time, though, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group flying out for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their family home in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under before it began.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this contest, Sam said: "It looks like the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require multiple performers that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a great time regardless," said Katie. "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 by now."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also a new experience for us away from home over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to turn to," she added.