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

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

This is not the case this time, though, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have a large group flying out for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

There are also tour groups who will be vacationing down under, as well as loved ones planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their family home in the north of England.

"People in the office 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 the series on the line upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

But they are now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for England fans.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this contest, Sam said: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a great time nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Of course, it's unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."

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

"If all else fails, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.