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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?

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

That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

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

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for English supporters.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."

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

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be our first experience away from home at this time of year."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.

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