'People keep ribbing me' regarding the series concluding ahead of my trip.

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones embarking on a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

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", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.

"Everyone at work has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory 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 dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the fundamentals, 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, one fan responded: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. This will be a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to fall back on," she added.