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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as families and friends planning a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are a prime example.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.

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

"Naturally, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. It is also a new experience for us away from home during the festive period."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to fall back on," she finished.