'Everyone's giving me grief' over the Ashes being over before I get there.

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

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have a large group flying out for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

There are also travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

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

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.

"People in the office has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

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

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.

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

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"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 largely because of the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

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

"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"It will be a great time nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Obviously it is disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season overseas. This will be a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," Katie concluded.