'I'm getting constant stick' over the series being over prior to my arrival.

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.

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

"All my colleagues has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.

But they are now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip anyway," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Of course, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money already."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays overseas. This will be a new experience for us traveling during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.