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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a rare England series success.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their house in the north of England.

"People in the office has been giving me grief 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

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia before it began.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. This will be a new experience for us abroad over Christmas."

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

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