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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan ask for?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

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

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in the north of England.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the longest format for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

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

Regardless of the result, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a great time anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Of course, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

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