'People keep ribbing me' over the series concluding before I get there.

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an England cricket fan possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

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 in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in the north of England.

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

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia before it began.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior right now."

"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Obviously it is a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year in Australia. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

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