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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans traveling for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also travel parties who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as relatives and companions planning a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a rare England series success.

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

"People in the office has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."

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

Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.

"It will be a great time nonetheless," said Katie. "We have to go with that attitude."

"Of course, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We will make the most of spending the festive season overseas. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.