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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their residence in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

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

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for followers of the team.

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

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us traveling over Christmas."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.