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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would 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 once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have a large group traveling for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a great time nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. This will be our first experience away from home at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.