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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie 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.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

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

The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never been in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It appears the Aussies are just too good currently."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."

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

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to rely on," she finished.