'I'm getting constant stick' about the series concluding ahead of my trip.

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

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans flying out for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are tour groups who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"People in the office has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."

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

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

"It will be a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that attitude."

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

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays out there. It is also mine and Rory's first time traveling during the festive period."

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

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.