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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones planning a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia before it began.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for English supporters.

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

"All analysts references this, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior right now."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Of course, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money already."

"We will make the most of spending the festive season out there. This will be mine and Rory's first time away from home at this time of year."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

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