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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an supporter of the English team desire?

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

That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends heading for a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a rare England series success.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in their hometown.

"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

But they are now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

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

"It will be a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also mine and Rory's first time away from home over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.