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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?

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

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will be vacationing overseas, as well as relatives and companions heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"We always thought that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that 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.

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".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

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

"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. Additionally, it's our first experience traveling during the festive period."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.