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

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as families and friends planning a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their house in their hometown.

"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for followers of the team.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

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

"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Of course, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money already."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season in Australia. 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 time off.

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to rely on," Katie concluded.