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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are travel parties who will be vacationing down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in the north of England.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"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 securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

But they are now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season overseas. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."

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

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