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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an England cricket fan desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group traveling for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also tour groups who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as families and friends heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.

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

"The hope was that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

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

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.

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

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good currently."

"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. This will be our first experience traveling at this time of year."

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

"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," she added.