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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their family home in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

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 continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".

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

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money already."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.