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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

This is not the case this time, though, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also tour groups who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as relatives and companions planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks 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 the series on the line upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia 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 Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the longest format for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

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

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

Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip anyway," said Katie. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Obviously it is a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season in Australia. It is also mine and Rory's first time away from home during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to rely on," she added.