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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?

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

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their family home in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under before it began.

However, the situation is now 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 followers - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts references this, but it all is about mental resilience. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this contest, came the reply: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."

"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Of course, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also a new experience for us abroad during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

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