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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

That will not be happening this time, though, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.

The group had their flights and tickets secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "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 Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

But they are now looking at the possibility 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 supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts references this, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the top order."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this contest, Sam said: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"It will require several individuals that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also mine and Rory's first time away from home at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.