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

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

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as loved ones heading for a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their family home in the north of England.

"People in the office has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

But they are now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'outside the line has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Obviously it is a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home over Christmas."

A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to turn to," Katie concluded.