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

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.

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

There are also tour groups who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in the north of England.

"People in the office 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

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"It will require more than one player that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

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

"It will be a great time nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year in Australia. Additionally, it's a new experience for us traveling over Christmas."

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

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