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

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

That will not be happening this time, though, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are a prime example.

The group had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a rare England series success.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the fans are anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "Our approach is that attitude."

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

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year overseas. It is also a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to rely on," she added.