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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters flying out for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

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

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"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 still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia before it began.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this contest, one fan responded: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"It will require several individuals that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

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

"Obviously it is disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to fall back on," she finished.