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

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as relatives and companions planning a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under before it began.

But they are now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for England fans.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all is about psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good currently."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," added another sibling. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Of course, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home over Christmas."

A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to turn to," she added.