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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an Three Lions follower ask for?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are tour groups who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

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

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their family home in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for England fans.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about mental resilience. 'Bazball' 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 'wide of off stump has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience nonetheless," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Of course, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. It is also a new experience for us away from home during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to rely on," she finished.