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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.

England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will be vacationing overseas, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

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

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

But they are now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for followers of the team.

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

"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Of course, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."

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

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to turn to," she added.