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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an England cricket fan possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have a large group making the journey for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will be vacationing overseas, as well as families and friends planning a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in their hometown.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under before it began.

But they are now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

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

Alex said 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 England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.

"We will have a great time nonetheless," added another sibling. "We have to go with that attitude."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money already."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year in Australia. This will be our first experience traveling over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, I can play golf to fall back on," she finished.