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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?

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

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

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

In addition, there are organized trips who will be vacationing overseas, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

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

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their residence in the north of England.

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

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high about England's chances 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 fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."

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

Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Of course, it's unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to turn to," she finished.