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

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

There are also tour groups who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their family home in their hometown.

"Everyone at work has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts points it out, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'outside the line has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, came the reply: "It appears the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"It will require several individuals that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a great time nonetheless," said Katie. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Obviously it is a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays overseas. This will be our first experience abroad at this time of year."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," she added.