'People keep ribbing me' regarding the Ashes being over prior to my arrival.

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention 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 leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their family home in the north of England.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for 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 before it began.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the longest format for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, Sam said: "It looks like the Australians are superior currently."

"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the group remains excited about the trip.

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

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We will make the most of spending the festive season out there. This will be a new experience for us traveling during the festive period."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to rely on," she added.