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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters traveling for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will be vacationing overseas, as well as loved ones planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their family home in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

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

Lowered Expectations

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 looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, Sam said: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We will have a great time regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Obviously it is a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time away from home during the festive period."

A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.