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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters flying out for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a rare England series success.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their family home in the north of England.

"People in the office has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts references this, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior currently."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the group remains excited about the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year overseas. It is also mine and Rory's first time traveling over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

"If all else fails, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.