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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an supporter of the English team ask for?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening this time, though, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans flying out for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as relatives and companions heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their house in the north of England.

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

"The hope was that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under before it began.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never been in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require several individuals that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays in Australia. This will be 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 seasonal break.

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to rely on," Katie concluded.