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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior at the moment."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

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

"Of course, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. It is also our first experience traveling during the festive period."

A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to turn to," Katie concluded.