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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also tour groups who will be vacationing overseas, as well as families and friends embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their residence in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

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

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

But they are now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior currently."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the fans are anticipating the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Obviously it is disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money already."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time away from home over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying 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.