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

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

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

The Ryding Siblings

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

The group had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

But they are now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "reinvigorated" the longest format for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, Sam said: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We will make the most of spending the festive season out there. This will be our first experience traveling 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 rely on," she finished.