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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have a large group traveling for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

There are also tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends heading for a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a rare England series success.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

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

"We always thought that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for England fans.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "It appears the Australians are superior right now."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Obviously it is disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We will make the most of spending the festive season in Australia. Additionally, it's our first experience 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 Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to rely on," Katie concluded.