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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters flying out for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also tour groups who will be vacationing overseas, as well as relatives and companions planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

The group had their flights and tickets arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their residence in the north of England.

"People in the office has been giving me grief 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 upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for English supporters.

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

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We have to go with that attitude."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. It is also a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

"If all else fails, I've got golf to turn to," she finished.