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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia before it began.

But they are now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

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

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.

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

"Every pundit points it out, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Obviously it is disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays in Australia. It is also a new experience for us abroad over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to rely on," she finished.