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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an England cricket fan possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will be vacationing down under, as well as relatives and companions heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their family home in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been making comments 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 by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under 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 fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" 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 remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

The Remaining Matches

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It appears the Australians are superior currently."

"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and turns the game."

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

"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."

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

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," she added.