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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are a prime example.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their residence in their hometown.

"People in the office has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

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

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for England fans.

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

"Every pundit references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "It looks like the Australians are superior at the moment."

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

Despite the scoreline, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience regardless," said Katie. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," she finished.