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

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

That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans flying out for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are tour groups who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me that the series is done 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 ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts references this, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."

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

Even with the series lost, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Naturally, 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 out there. Additionally, it's our first experience abroad over Christmas."

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

"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.