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

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

That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win 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 a large group flying out for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as families and friends heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors 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," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

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

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

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

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Of course, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year in Australia. This will be our first experience traveling over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

"If all else fails, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.