'People keep ribbing me' over the Ashes finishing ahead of my trip.

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

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans traveling for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their house in their hometown.

"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Obviously it is disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year overseas. It is also our first experience abroad over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to turn to," she added.