'Everyone's giving me grief' about the series concluding ahead of my trip.

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, came the reply: "It appears the Aussies are just too good currently."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. This will be a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to fall back on," she added.