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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

There are also travel parties who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their residence in the north of England.

"All my colleagues has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

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

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons 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 hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience regardless," said Katie. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays in Australia. This will be a new experience for us abroad during the festive period."

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

"If all else fails, there's always golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.