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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia before it began.

But they are now facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

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

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We will have a great time regardless," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money already."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays overseas. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to turn to," she finished.