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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

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

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters flying out for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also organized trips who will be vacationing down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their family home in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for English supporters.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts references this, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays overseas. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.

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