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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, 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 relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

But they are now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience regardless," said Katie. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. Additionally, it's our first experience away from home at this time of year."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

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