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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an supporter of the English team ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility 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 put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as families and friends heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me 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

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under before it began.

But they are now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit references this, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It looks like the Australians are superior right now."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that stands up for England and turns the game."

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

"We are going to have a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. It is also a new experience for us abroad during the festive period."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.