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

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

This is not the case on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a rare England series success.

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

"People in the office 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 by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for England fans.

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

"Every pundit references this, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior currently."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip anyway," added another sibling. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Of course, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also a new experience for us traveling over Christmas."

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

"If all else fails, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.