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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

This is not the case this time, though, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests 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 Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia before it began.

But they are now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, Sam said: "It looks like the Australians are superior right now."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that stands up for England and turns the game."

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

"We are going to have a great time anyway," added another sibling. "We have to go with that outlook."

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

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year in Australia. This will be a new experience for us away from home during the festive period."

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

"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," Katie concluded.