'People keep ribbing me' over the Ashes finishing ahead of my trip.

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

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans traveling for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their residence in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

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

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about mental resilience. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this contest, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the fans are anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience regardless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. Additionally, it's a new experience for us traveling over Christmas."

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

"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," Katie concluded.