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

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.

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

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia before it began.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

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

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never been in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, Sam said: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We will have a great time regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Of course, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season overseas. It is also a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.