'Everyone's giving me grief' about the Ashes being over prior to my arrival.

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an England cricket fan possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as relatives and companions planning a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their residence in the north of England.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

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

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for England fans.

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

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this contest, Sam said: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

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

"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Obviously it is disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to turn to," Katie concluded.