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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have a large group traveling for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days 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," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for followers of the team.

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

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior currently."

"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be mine and Rory's first time traveling at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

"If all else fails, I can play golf to fall back on," she finished.