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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters flying out for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also organized trips who will be vacationing down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in the north of England.

"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

But they are now facing the prospect 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 followers - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts points it out, but it all is about mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this contest, one fan responded: "It looks like the Australians are superior at the moment."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We will have a great time nonetheless," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Of course, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. It is also our first experience away from home over Christmas."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," she finished.