'People keep ribbing me' about the series concluding before I get there.

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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in their hometown.

"Everyone at work has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

But they are now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for England fans.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a great time regardless," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.