'Everyone's giving me grief' regarding the Ashes being over prior to my arrival.

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

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

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

There are also tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

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

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under before it began.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require several individuals that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.

"It will be a great time anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. It is also our first experience abroad at this time of year."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

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