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

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are organized trips who will be vacationing overseas, as well as families and friends planning a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a rare England series success.

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

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

"We always thought that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" 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".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this contest, Sam said: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year in Australia. Additionally, it's our first experience away from home during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," she finished.