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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

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.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their family home in the north of England.

"People in the office has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under before it began.

But they are now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for English supporters.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," 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 mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior currently."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

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

"We will have a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also our first experience away from home at this time of year."

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

"If all else fails, I can play golf to turn to," she finished.