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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as loved ones heading for a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

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

"All my colleagues has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia before it began.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the longest format for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

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

Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. This will be our first experience abroad over Christmas."

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

"If all else fails, there's always golf to fall back on," she added.