'I'm getting constant stick' regarding the Ashes being over ahead of my trip.

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - 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 reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are tour groups who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

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

"People in the office has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia before it began.

However, the situation is now facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts points it out, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior right now."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that attitude."

"Of course, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We will make the most of spending the festive season in Australia. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.