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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan possibly want?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their house in the north of England.

"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" the longest format for followers of the team.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

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

"It will be a fantastic experience anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Of course, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

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

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

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