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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their residence in the north of England.

"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia before it began.

But they are now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.

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

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about mental resilience. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, Sam said: "It appears the Australians are superior right now."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that stands up for England and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," said Katie. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season in Australia. It is also our first experience abroad during the festive period."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to rely on," she finished.