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

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters traveling for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in the north of England.

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

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts references this, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good currently."

"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."

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

"We plan to savor spending the festive season out there. Additionally, it's our first experience traveling during the festive period."

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

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