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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters traveling for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their house in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

But they are now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"It will be a great time regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that attitude."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, 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."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to rely on," she added.