'People keep ribbing me' over the series finishing prior to my arrival.

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an supporter of the English team desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

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

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

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

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

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip anyway," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Obviously it is 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 in Australia. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time traveling over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"If all else fails, I've got golf to turn to," she added.